Parties that have been in politics for a long time in Kenya

Kenya’s Oldest Political Parties and the Secret to Their Survival
As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks its 20th anniversary, it joins a small circle of political parties that have managed to endure the stormy tides of Kenya’s volatile political arena. Formed in 2005 at the height of constitutional reform battles, ODM has survived multiple election cycles, breakaways, and leadership tussles to remain one of the country’s most recognisable political brands. In a nation where parties often rise and fade with every election, ODM’s two-decade milestone reflects both its adaptability and the enduring appeal of its founding ideology of social democracy.
Kenya’s political history is littered with parties that have lived and died with their founders. From the Kenya African National Union (KANU), which dominated politics for nearly four decades after independence, to the more recent Jubilee Party that once promised a united front under President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, few have sustained relevance once their key leaders left power. Analysts argue that most Kenyan parties are personality-driven — built around ethnic or regional kingpins rather than strong institutions. These leaders often rally their communities to gain national prominence but struggle to maintain cohesion once alliances shift or new coalitions emerge. This cycle has kept Kenya’s political scene vibrant but unstable, with parties frequently merging, rebranding, or dissolving altogether.
Despite these challenges, a few parties continue to stand the test of time. Apart from ODM and KANU, Wiper Democratic Movement, FORD-Kenya, and Narc-Kenya have all maintained active presence in national politics, thanks largely to loyal support bases and strategic rebranding. Their survival highlights a gradual but noticeable shift toward institutionalising political movements beyond individual leaders. As Kenya heads toward the 2027 elections, the longevity of these parties offers valuable lessons about resilience, identity, and adaptation in a changing democracy. The question now is whether these veterans can evolve fast enough to appeal to a younger, more issue-driven electorate — or whether they, too, will eventually fade into the country’s long list of forgotten political vehicles.