Preparing for “Uchaguzi” 2027

As Kenya transitions into the pre-election phase of the 2027 electoral cycle, significant developments are underway. The process of reconstructing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners recently commenced, following the appointment and swearing-in of the selection panel responsible for the task. This advancement follows months of litigation that impeded the process, which initially began after the publication of the IEBC (Amendment) Act of 2024. 

The absence of IEBC Commissioners stalled the boundary delimitation process, which was constitutionally mandated to occur before March 2024. Consequently, 27 constituencies currently remain unprotected. Furthermore, five County Assembly Wards and three Constituencies lack representation due to the postponement of byelections that have not taken place. Additionally, essential activities such as voter registration and education initiatives have also been suspended.

On 6th of March 2025, during the People’s Dialogue Festival (PDF) a consortium on Promoting Inclusive Electoral Reforms in Kenya (PIERK) held a dialogue session to discuss issues related to electoral processes, and subsequent repercussions. The consortium consists of seven organization including: The Oslo Center (TOC), Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), Election Observation Group (ELOG), Ushahidi, Center for Disabled Persons Organizations of Kenya (CDPOK), Semabox and Mzalendo Trust.

The session was held in the Political Village at PDF, an ideal platform for a multi-stakeholder engagement; bringing together policymakers, political leaders, civil society organizations, electoral bodies, and the public, to dialogue, identify challenges, set new priorities, and co-create sustainable solutions. The overall goal was to raise public awareness on ongoing electoral processes post-2027, to galvanize momentum for adequate implementation of pertinent and timely electoral reforms. 

The consortium put together a panel consisting of Senator Veronica Maina from Parliament of Kenya, Ruth Kulundu from the IEBC, Dr. Anne Nderitu from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to offer key duty bearer insights. In addition, Felix Odhiambo from the Electoral Governance Institute of Africa (ELGIA), Phoebe Mungai from the Oslo Center and Marcus Agenga for Elections Observations Group (ELOG) participated in the session as sector practitioners. 

Questions directed to the panel primarily focused on the timely enactment of essential electoral reforms. Several proposals of interest have been put forward after the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, including the Elections Amendment (No. 2) Bill, Elections Offenses Amendment (No. 2) Bill, Electoral Campaign Financing Bill, and Political Parties (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, all of which are significant in preparations for the upcoming 2027 elections.

Felix emphasized the need for comprehensive legal reforms, particularly regarding governance and independence of electoral institutions. Dr. Nderitu highlighted challenges of pre-election coalitions and stressed on the need to prioritize post-election coalitions. In this, she alluded that “it’s better to sign agreements based on practical electoral results, as opposed to hypotheticals.” Phoebe addressed the two-thirds gender rule issues, noting failure of Parliament eleven times, to successfully legislate on the matter, but remained optimistic of the upcoming NADCO Bills debate. 

Both Phoebe and Dr. Nderitu called for amendment of the Elections Act to have specific requirements for adequate inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in electoral process, especially at the County Assembly level.

Ruth noted the necessity for continuous voter education and registration, in between elections, as areas that can immensely build trust in electoral processes. She supported the idea of local ballot paper printing and utilizing technology as viable options to bring down cost of elections. Sen. Maina gave updates on the status of NADCO Bills, indicating that Parliament was on course with eight of the nine proposals, some of which require a referendum. The Senator further highlighted that on the referendum debate, scenarios were being built in lieu of cost and time to measure between holding it as a stand-alone venture or enjoining it to the 2027 elections, which would offer best value to accommodate citizen interests, national resources among other concerns.  

The session concluded with calls for timely legislative action and increased public participation. Stakeholders in the session emphasized that implementation of electoral reforms will safeguard Kenya’s democratic integrity and ensure credible elections in 2027 and beyond. The ongoing disparities around the cost of elections as well as the role of IEBC Commissioners and Secretariat were identified as areas that require to be relooked, to effectively curtail the trust deficit affecting the institution. Moreover, meaningful public engagements, dispute resolution mechanisms and boundary review, are issues that require clearance before the next general election. 

Posted by Loise Mwakamba on March 21, 2025

Categories:  Eye on Elections   Elections 2027