His announcement coincides with one by his party that nominations for the 2004 elections will close on October 15.
In a statement, Andrew said it had been his good fortune to witness dramatic changes in South Africa during his political career.
"I have had a long innings - 22 years as a Member of Parliament and 26 years as a public representative -- and believe the time is opportune to make way for new blood".
He had therefore decided to retire from politics.
"So I shall not be making myself available as a candidate in the forthcoming general election," he said.
DA leader Tony Leon said Andrew's "wise counsel and dedicated service" to the party would be missed.
"Ken is a man of unimpeachable integrity, high intelligence and deep conviction. He has played a very significant part in the parliamentary opposition during apartheid and afterwards in the construction of the new South Africa," he said.
During his political career, Andrew served as chairperson of the federal council and federal executive of the former Progressive Federal Party, federal chairman of the Democratic Party, party spokesperson on finance, and chairperson of the watchdog public accounts committee (Scopa).
He has recently served as chairperson of his party's policy development project.
Andrew said he wished the DA well in the forthcoming elections.
"The need for a vibrant multi-party democracy in South Africa is as great as ever, and I shall be remaining a member of the DA," he said. – Sapa.
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