The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has indicated that it is already putting in plans for preparation of the 2017 elections.
In a statement on Thursday, October 12, the commission noted that it is targeting the review of specifications of electronic materials for the 2027 elections.
Represented by the Deputy Commission Secretary (DCS) Support Services Obadiah Keitany, the commission presented its plans to the Project Technical Team Committee meeting.
“The meeting was convened by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Nairobi to apprise on the progress of the “Deepening Democracy” Project and consolidate the democratic dividends for sustainable transformation in Kenya project,” stated IEBC.
Preparations Being Made by IEBC for 2027
In addition, the commission noted other plans including training staff on a new biometric voter registration system, data collection and the review of mapping registration centers.
“The Commission also targets to review specifications of the Electoral Materials, prepare the logistical plan for the 2027 General Election, and train staff on a new biometric voter registration system.
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“Collect data on review/mapping of registration Centers and formulate Legal Reform Framework and regulatory processes,” the statement read in part.
At the same time, IEBC said it was looking forward to the appointment and induction of the new commissioners and the review and production of election training manuals.
Also, the electoral commission said they will roll out online registration for those in the diaspora and conduct sensitization on the same.
“IEBC Kenya is looking forward to the appointment and induction of the new Commission members, review and produce a compendium of election training manuals.
“Capacity building on the paralegal training on elections, launch of continuous voter registration education including diaspora and rolling out of online registration in line with the government’s agenda on digitization and digitalization,” added the commission.
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Omtatah on Stopping Recruitment of Commissioners
Moreover, in April 2023, lawyer and activist Okiya Omtatah petitioned the recruitment of IEBC commissioners and asked the court to stop the parliamentary process.
Omtatah was seeking to have changes made in the structure of the selection panel and a declaration made that the IEBC (Amendment) Act No.1 of 2023 was unconstitutional.
However, the high court declined the petition and directed that the matter be heard by inter parties.
“I have considered submissions by parties; I note this is a matter of great public interests should be disposed of expeditiously. So, I direct as follows; responses be filed by COB today.
“We shall proceed to hearing of the main petition, the petition to be filed by April 8, and responses by April 11, highlighting on April 13. I decline to grant any orders at this stage,” Judge Mugure Thande ruled.
