The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for urgent legislative reforms and early financial support to enable smooth preparations for the 2027 general election.

Speaking to the media, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission has already submitted a set of legislative proposals to Parliament through the Justice and Legal Affairs Committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

He noted that a strong legal and regulatory environment is key to protecting the credibility, transparency and efficiency of Kenya’s elections.

“We are preparing for the 2027 general elections, and there are a number of issues that require legislative reforms,” he said. “We therefore underscore the pivotal role of a sound legal and regulatory environment in safeguarding the credibility, transparency and efficiency of Kenya’s electoral processes.”

Ethekon explained that IEBC conducted a thorough review of constitutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks governing elections and used the findings to develop several draft bills and regulations.

These proposals touch on amendments to the Elections Act, Political Parties Act, Election Offenses Act, the County Governments Act, and the Referendum Bill.

He said the proposals also address gaps in voter registration, voter education, party primaries, and party lists. “As you all know, our bills are legislative proposals,” he said. “We are also strengthening some regulations around our application of technology in the next election of 2027.”

According to Ethekon, IEBC wants these laws enacted in time so that the Commission can internalise and implement them effectively.

He added that technology will play a crucial role in the next election, and the proposed legal changes will provide the framework to support its use.

As part of its broader election roadmap, the Commission is also working on a General Election Management Plan, voter education activities, and other key programmes leading to the 10th August 2027 polls.

Ethekon said the Commission is fully committed to delivering inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections.

“We wish to assure the public of the preparedness of the Commission to deliver inclusive, credible, transparent, and, more importantly, peaceful elections in strict compliance with the Constitution of Kenya and all electoral laws,” he said.

However, he warned that successful execution of election plans depends heavily on the availability of timely and adequate resources. Ethekon stressed that delays in funding often disrupt procurement and logistical planning, putting the entire electoral process at risk.

“We can only succeed if we have adequate resources that will enable us to deliver on our mandate on elections and other related activities,” he said. “Sometimes by the time finances arrive, it’s maybe too late, and it becomes very cumbersome and stressful for us to undertake those procurements on time.”

To address this, the Commission will engage with the National Treasury and Parliament to secure necessary funding well in advance.

Ethekon also appealed to all stakeholders to work with the Commission in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

“The Commission therefore invites fellow citizens, other stakeholders including Parliament, media, civil society and development partners, to collaborate with us as we execute these priority tasks,” he said.