The National Economic Development Party has released detailed guidance on how Kenyans can check their political party membership status, join a party or resign from one using the USSD code *509#. The process is conducted through the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties platform, commonly referred to as ORPP.
The move reflects growing digitization of political party administration in Kenya. Instead of visiting offices physically, citizens can now manage their party affiliation directly from their mobile phones. The service is accessible through basic handsets, making it widely available across the country.
According to the procedure outlined by the National Economic Development Party, the process involves two main stages: setting up an account on the ORPP platform and then managing membership options using a secure PIN.
Step One: Setting Up an Account on the ORPP Platform
To begin, users must dial *509# on their mobile phone.
After dialing the code, follow these steps:
- Select option 1 for Review to agree to the terms and conditions.
- Enter your First Name exactly as it appears on your national identification document and press OK.
- Select option 1 for ID as your identification document and press OK.
- Enter your ID number.
- Choose your gender by selecting 1 for Female or 2 for Male, then press OK.
- Select 1 to confirm your details.
- You will receive a PIN from the ORPP platform. This PIN will be used for future access and verification.
This first stage essentially registers you on the ORPP system. The PIN sent to your phone is crucial because it allows you to manage your membership status securely.
Step Two: Setting Up Your PIN and Accessing Membership Options
After receiving your PIN, dial *509# again.
- Enter the PIN as received from the ORPP.
- Select Membership (Option 1).
- Choose the action you want to take.
The platform allows three main actions:
- Checking your membership status
- Joining a political party
- Resigning from a political party
This centralized system ensures that all political party membership records are managed under the Registrar’s oversight, improving transparency and accountability.
How to Join a Political Party
If you wish to join a party such as the National Economic Development Party, follow these steps after entering your PIN:
- Enter your PIN as received from the ORPP.
- Select Join a Party (Option 2) and press OK.
- Enter your County Code and press OK.
- Enter your Constituency Code and press OK.
- Enter your Ward Code and press OK.
- Enter 999 followed by the specific party code and press OK.
- Confirm (Option 1) Membership and press OK.
After completing these steps, the selected political party will review your request. The party then confirms your membership by either approving or rejecting the application.
Checking Your Membership Status
To confirm whether you are currently registered under a political party:
- Dial *509#.
- Enter your PIN.
- Select Membership.
- Choose the option to check membership status.
The system will display your current political party affiliation, if any. This is particularly useful during election periods when disputes over party membership can affect nominations and eligibility.
How to Resign from a Political Party
If you wish to resign from a party:
- Dial *509#.
- Enter your PIN.
- Select Membership.
- Choose the option to resign from a party.
- Confirm your decision.
Once submitted, the request is processed through the ORPP platform and recorded officially.
Why the USSD *509# System Matters
The introduction of the USSD-based system simplifies political participation. Previously, citizens often faced challenges confirming their party registration status, especially if they were unknowingly listed under a party.
The *509# service enhances transparency, reduces paperwork and allows voters to control their political affiliation directly. It also ensures that political parties maintain accurate membership databases in compliance with regulatory requirements.
As political activities intensify ahead of election cycles, digital systems such as the ORPP USSD platform are expected to play an increasingly central role in managing party records efficiently and securely.
