UDA spent more than Sh1.25 billion in the year to June 2026, with nearly two-thirds of the money going to advocacy and electoral activities as the ruling party stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The United Democratic Alliance recorded a deficit of nearly Sh155 million in the year ended June 30, 2026, according to its latest financial statements.
The party's total expenses rose to Sh1.26 billion, up from about Sh685 million the previous financial year.
The details are contained in the party’s declared financial accounts for the year ended June 30th 2026.
The biggest expense was advocacy and electoral activities, which cost the party Sh796.9 million.
That was more than three times the Sh247.7 million spent on the same category in the previous financial year.
In simple terms, UDA spent about Sh2 out of every Sh3 on advocacy and electoral activities.
The party also spent Sh317.1 million on special interest groups, up from about Sh219.8 million a year earlier.
Administrative expenses stood at Sh144.4 million.
Overall, UDA's expenses increased by about Sh574 million, or 84 per cent, during the year.
The increase came as the party intensified its political activities ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
UDA has already begun preparations for the next election. In July, the party refurbished its Hustler Centre, which served as the nerve centre of President William Ruto's 2022 campaign. The facility is expected to coordinate political mobilisation and campaign planning.
The party has also been conducting grassroots activities and positioning itself for the 2027 contest.
Where the money came from
UDA reported total revenue of Sh1.10 billion for the year, up from about Sh658 million in 2024/25.
The largest source was Sh788.6 million transferred from the Political Parties Fund.
Membership fees brought in Sh160.3 million, while miscellaneous revenue stood at Sh98.7 million.
The party also received Sh56 million in public contributions and donations.
It reported no investment income.
The Political Parties Fund is financed from public money and distributed among qualifying political parties under the Political Parties Act. The bulk of the fund is allocated according to votes won in the previous General Election, with other portions based on elected special-interest representatives and elected representatives.
In June 2025, UDA was allocated about Sh480 million from the fund, the largest share among political parties at the time.
The latest UDA accounts therefore show that the party's reported income from the fund during the financial year was substantially higher than that allocation, reflecting transfers recorded in its accounts during the year.
Spending outpaced income
Despite raising more than Sh1.1 billion, UDA spent about Sh154.9 million more than it received.
The financial statements show a deficit of Sh154.9 million, compared with a deficit of about Sh13 million in the previous year.
The party's net assets also fell from about Sh296.2 million to Sh141.3 million during the year.
The figures come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
UDA has emerged as a central player in the emerging political realignment involving President Ruto's party and the Orange Democratic Movement.
The two parties have been holding talks on their political cooperation ahead of the 2027 election. A team of experts began work in August on a joint political blueprint for the two parties.
The financial figures also come against a backdrop of growing attention on the cost of political campaigns in Kenya.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set campaign contribution and spending limits for the 2027 election, covering political parties and candidates. The limits cover items such as advertising, transport, communication, campaign personnel, security and other campaign costs.
UDA's accounts offer a glimpse into the scale of resources being deployed by one of Kenya's major political parties as the country moves closer to the 2027 election.
The party's financial statements were signed by Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire.
The central figures are taken directly from the UDA statement: Sh1.10 billion revenue, Sh1.26 billion expenses, Sh796.9 million in advocacy/electoral expenses and a Sh154.9 million deficit.
