The European Union (EU) has raised concerns about the readiness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to effectively conduct the 2027 elections, with less than three years remaining for preparation.
The EU Election Follow-up Mission (EFM) was deployed to the Republic of Kenya from 2 February to 1 March 2025.
“Since the elections in 2022, electoral reform proposals have primarily emerged from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process. So far, the electoral reforms have mainly consisted of proposals related to technicalities and the passage of two laws: one regarding procedures for issuing regulations from regulatory authorities and the other aiming at ensuring the appointment of an IEBC board, albeit after considerable delays,” the report read.
However, the EU raised concerns that many of the proposals under the NADCO reform process fail to address critical legal gaps in the electoral framework, including campaign finance oversight and sustainable IEBC funding.
European Union Raises Concerns
According to the report, the IEBC has been operating without commissioners since January 2023, raising concerns about its capacity to effectively prepare for and manage the upcoming 2027 elections.
“The delay in appointing IEBC commissioners has resulted in ongoing postponements in holding by-elections and has postponed overdue constituency delimitation,” the report read.
Further, the report noted that continuous voter registration has stalled, resulting in delayed preparations for the 2027 elections.
With less than two and a half years to go, the IEBC still lacks an approved strategic plan that clearly outlines, with timelines, the necessary actions and activities leading up to and beyond the next electoral cycle.
As a result, the commission has been unable to develop an operational plan for the 2027 elections. A key challenge cited is the persistent underfunding of the IEBC and delays in the allocation of financial resources, which continue to hamper its readiness
Also Read: IEBC Spent Nearly Ksh500 Million to Replace Ruto Allies
IEBC Faces Scrutiny
Questions have been raised about the ability of a future commission to operate as an independent body objectively and transparently, citing that the public perception of the IEBC is largely negative.
“The electoral management body is viewed as weak and susceptible to interference from the political establishment,” part of the report read.
Additionally, they warned that the reconstituted IEBC will have a limited time to organise and conduct all pending by-elections, secure funding for the 2027 elections, and approve the strategic plan.
Also Read: Ruto Defies Court Order, Makes IEBC Appointments
At the same the independent body has a short time to determine whether the review of constituency boundaries will take place before or after the next elections, resume continuous voter registration, prepare the operational calendar, and initiate overall preparations for the upcoming elections.
“There is an urgent need for the IEBC board to be appointed swiftly and for the government to follow through with prompt and adequate funding for key electoral preparations, including ensuring the delivery of timely, efficient and inclusive voter education and voter registration, “ended the report.
There is also a need to accelerate the reform process to strengthen protections of media freedoms, limit arbitrary action on fundamental freedoms and ensure the timely and prosecution of electoral offences.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
