The United National Congress (UNC) Party Ideology (2025)
1. Introduction: Contextualizing UNC’s Emergence in Kenya’s Political Landscape
Kenya’s post-independence journey has been marked by cycles of hope, turbulence, constitutional transformation, and democratic renewal. Despite the promise of the 2010 Constitution and periodic political reforms, governance in Kenya still faces challenges: ethnic polarization, youth unemployment, poor service delivery, entrenched corruption, and political exclusion of women and marginalized communities. It is within this context that the United National Congress (UNC) Party emerges, not as a mere participant in the political contestation, but as a transformative movement founded on progressive nationalism and social democracy.
UNC’s leadership is necessary to reimagine governance by placing inclusivity, integrity, and economic justice at the heart of public affairs. The Party recognizes that meaningful change requires political courage, participatory democracy, and citizen-led development, values that UNC is uniquely poised to deliver.
2. Justification of the Ideology
The UNC’s ideology is rooted in social democracy infused with a spirit of progressive nationalism.
This ideology emphasizes:
- Equitable socio-economic development, especially for the youth, women, persons with disabilities, and historically marginalized groups.
- Participatory governance, grounded in the Constitution of Kenya, emphasizing devolution, transparency, and people-centered
service delivery. - National unity through diversity, advocating for policies that transcend ethnic and regional divisions.
- Ethical leadership,integrity in public service, and zero tolerance for corruption. The ideology resonates with Article 3(4) of the UNC
- Constitution: “The United National Congress (UNC) is a social democratic political movement rooted in progressive nationalism.”
3. Governance & Constitutionality
UNC believes that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is the moral and legal compass for national governance. Accordingly, UNC’s governance philosophy emphasizes:
- Constitutionalism: All policies and conduct of public officers must comply with constitutional principles—especially Chapters 4
(Bill of Rights), 6 (Leadership and Integrity), and 11 (Devolved Government). - Rule of Law: All state organs and leaders must operate within the law. The party’s internal disciplinary and governance structures
(Articles 32–36) uphold internal accountability and integrity. - Accountable Institutions: Strong, independent institutions at national and county levels are necessary for sustainable democracy.
UNC champions resource allocation reforms and functional devolution. - Public Participation: Governance must reflect the will and voice of citizens. UNC structures from polling stations to national level
(Articles 10–24) reflect this principle in design and practice.
- Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship: Expand job opportunities through investment in innovation, ICT hubs, creative industries, and
vocational training. - Social Protection: Enhance welfare programs for vulnerable groups, as anchored in Article 43 of the Constitution.
- Devolved Development: Build capacities of county governments to deliver local services effectively and equitably.
- Agricultural Productivity: Boost food security and rural livelihoods through farmer subsidies, agro-processing, and cooperatives.
- Climate Justice: Integrate climate resilience and green economy principles into national policy.
5. Communication of the Ideology
The UNC recognizes that for its ideology to thrive, it must be clearly understood and embraced by members,supporters, and voters. Its communication strategy includes:
- Civic Education and Mobilization: Through the Party’s leagues (Women, Youth,Disability), polling station committees, and diaspora chapters.
- Digital Engagement: Use of social media, virtual town halls, and the official website (www.unc.co.ke) for mass outreach and feedback.
- Annual Policy Forums: Convening national and county-level citizen-policy dialogues on critical national issues.
- Manifesto Dissemination: Publishing party manifestos and scorecards accessible in print and digital formats.UNC’s communication ethos
shall be rooted in truth, relevance, grassroots resonance, and ideological coherence.6. Political Ideology Implementation Strategies
To operationalize its ideology, UNC shall adopt the following key strategies: - Policy Platforms: Develop sector-specific platforms on health, education, agriculture, urbanization, and governance.
- Leadership Development: Establish a Political Leadership Academy under NEC to train future leaders on ethics, policy, and ideology.
- Electoral Strategy: Field ideologically aligned candidates and ensure grassroots mobilization through polling station committees.
- Legislative Engagement: Task parliamentary and county assembly caucuses to push for bills and motions aligned with UNC’s social
democratic ideals. - Performance Monitoring: Use policy scorecards, annual reviews, and citizen report cards to track performance of elected leaders.
- Coalitions & Alliances: Form strategic alliances only with parties and actors that align with UNC’s ideological and governance principles
(see Article 39 of the Constitution).
Conclusion
The United National Congress is not merely a political party—it is a social force seeking to transform Kenya’s governance through principled leadership and social justice. By embracing participatory democracy, inclusion, and patriotism, UNC commits itself to restoring dignity to public service and hope to the citizenry