•Lack of Progress on Key Electoral Recommendations Raises Concerns
The European Union (EU) has issued a strong warning to Kenya over delays in implementing critical electoral reforms, cautioning that failure to act promptly could compromise the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
The Head of the EU Follow-Up Mission, Ivan Stefanec, highlighted concerns over the slow adoption of recommendations made after the 2022 elections, particularly seven priority reforms essential for strengthening Kenya’s electoral system.
Key Recommendations for Electoral Integrity
According to Stefanec, the EU follow-up mission had identified 21 recommendations to enhance Kenya’s electoral framework, seven of which were marked as urgent priorities. These include:
- Ensuring Adequate Funding for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) – Allocating sufficient resources to the IEBC for continuous voter education and preparation for the 2027 election.
- Enhancing Electoral Technology – Implementing regular audits and ensuring stakeholder consultations to improve transparency and efficiency in electoral technology.
- Operationalising the Election Campaign Financing Act – Enforcing regulations on campaign expenditures to promote fair competition and accountability.
- Clarifying the Legal Definition of Hate Speech – Aligning laws with international human rights standards to prevent misuse and ensure freedom of expression.
- Amending the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act – Removing contentious sections (22 and 23) that could be used to suppress digital freedoms and political expression.
- Establishing Clear Procedures for Tallying Centers – Standardizing processes for staff management and information flow to enhance transparency and efficiency.
- Reconstituting the IEBC – Appointing new commissioners to restore the commission’s operational effectiveness and credibility.
Impact of Delayed Reforms
Stefanec warned that the delay in appointing new IEBC commissioners has already led to significant setbacks.
The postponement of by-elections, suspension of continuous voter registration, and stalled boundary delimitation processes have hindered electoral preparations, raising fears about the integrity of the upcoming polls.
“The delay in appointing new IEBC Commissioners has led to the postponement of by-elections and boundaries delimitation, has halted continuous voter registration, and compromised the overall preparations for the 2027 election,” Stefanec emphasized.
The EU mission underscored the urgency of restoring the IEBC’s independence and operational capacity.
Without a fully functioning electoral body, Kenyan citizens may face challenges in registering as voters, contesting elections, and participating in a credible democratic process.
Call for Government Action
The EU urged the Kenyan government to expedite the reconstitution of the IEBC, provide adequate funding, and implement necessary legal and institutional reforms to safeguard electoral integrity.
Stefanec stressed that these reforms align with Kenya’s international and regional commitments and are crucial for upholding democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.
Additionally, he called on the IEBC to rebuild public trust, ensure transparency, and promote inclusivity in electoral management.
“The IEBC must strengthen its independence and foster cooperation among stakeholders to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections,” he added.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the EU’s warning serves as a wake-up call for Kenyan authorities to address these urgent issues before time runs out.
Failure to implement these reforms could risk electoral disputes, erode democratic credibility, and undermine public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.
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