Technology redefines voting in Baringo UDA party primaries
By K24 Digital Reporter, September 20, 2025United Democratic Party (UDA) conducted its party nominations in Baringo County to select one candidate from nine aspirants to fly the party flag in the November by-elections.
More than 281,053 registered voters, spread across 1,029 polling stations, turned out to cast their votes.
One thing was clear: there was no paperwork involved in the voting process, as the party deployed electronic kits for use in the exercise.
Several voters lauded the party for adopting the electronic system, saying it reduced the time spent at polling stations and allowed them to quickly resume their daily activities.
Mzee Joseph Kemboi said his interaction with the kit was seamless, as he only gave his identity card number, and once his details appeared, he was able to cast his vote electronically.
“I like this mode of voting. I think we are moving to better times of voting as a people, and we thank the party for enabling us to exercise this right in a clear manner,” he said.
He added that the method would likely eradicate chances of fraud in the nomination process and ensure results reflect the will of the voters.
Benard Yegon, alias Kobole, a voter at Kogorwonin polling station in Eldama Ravine town, said the use of technology is a welcome move in modern elections, allowing people to spend less time voting and more time engaging in other nation-building activities.
However, a mix-up in identifying the correct polling station delayed the start of voting until noon, after officials and security personnel travelled several kilometres to another station with a similar name.
“While we laud the technology, we urge the party and even the IEBC to ensure polling centres have distinct identities to avoid such last-minute confusion,” he said.
Two days ago, UDA National Elections Board member Mary Mutinga supervised the distribution of gadgets to be used across the six constituencies, where the nine aspirants are locked in a hot contest.
The candidates seeking to take over the seat left vacant by the late Senator William Cheptumo include Daniel Kiptoo Korir, Evans Kiprotich Mundulel Bett, Isaiah Kipkoros Kirukmet, Joseph Rotich Cherutoi, Kiprono Cherubet, Lineus Musa Kamket, Reuben Chirchir Chepsongol, Sylas Kipkosgei Tochim, and Tobole Kipsang Kibor Wycliffe.
A low turnout was recorded at some polling stations, with voters trickling in one after another.
At the close of voting, officers are expected to transmit the results electronically to the county tallying centre.