The ghost of technical failure that has historically haunted Kenyan elections was notably absent during last month’s by-elections, with the electoral body now reporting a near-perfect performance of its digital systems.

However, while the hardware held up, the human element faltered. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has flagged serious concerns over political hooliganism and a worrying dip in voter participation, signaling that the road to the 2027 General Election remains fraught with non-technical hurdles.

Technology vs. Hooliganism

Speaking in Nairobi, IEBC Chairman Edung Ethekon revealed that the Kenya Integrated Election Management Systems (KIEMS) kits—the biometric devices used to identify voters and transmit results—operated at 99 percent functionality during the November 27 mini-polls.

For a country where election disputes often hinge on server logs and kit failures, this statistic represents a significant operational milestone. Ethekon emphasized that the system’s stability ensured that every eligible voter who showed up was able to cast their ballot without the frustration of technical delays.

“The KIEMS kits delivered nearly perfect functionality, enabling a smooth and credible voting process,” Ethekon stated. “The commission’s systems ensured the integrity of the elections was upheld.”

Yet, the technical success was marred by chaotic scenes on the ground. The Commission reported disturbing incidents where senior political figures attempted to override the will of the people through brute force.

• Unauthorized Access: Senior politicians were recorded storming polling stations.
• Intimidation: Groups forced their way into tallying centres to disrupt operations.
• Threats: Election officials faced direct threats while executing their mandate.

The Apathy Crisis

Beyond the violence, the Commission is grappling with a quieter, perhaps more dangerous enemy: voter apathy. The turnout for the by-elections was reportedly low, a trend that analysts worry could delegitimize future outcomes if not addressed.

The by-elections were viewed as a critical stress test for the Commission’s preparedness ahead of 2027. While the backend systems are proving robust, the Commission notes that lessons learned regarding security and voter education will be pivotal.

Chairman Ethekon reaffirmed the IEBC’s commitment to refining these processes, stressing that technical perfection means little if the environment is unsafe or if voters simply refuse to show up.

As the country looks toward the next General Election, the message from the IEBC is clear: the machines are ready, but Kenya’s political culture requires a desperate upgrade.