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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has affirmed Parliament's commitment to expedite electoral law reforms, aiming to bolster the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) preparedness and restore public trust in the electoral process before the 2027 General Election.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, that Parliament will fast-track the review and passage of all election-related bills. This initiative aims to ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fully equipped for the 2027 General Election and to avoid last-minute amendments that have historically undermined electoral credibility.
Speaking during a meeting with Ed Barnett, the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the British High Commission, Wetang'ula stated that the legislature is determined to conclude the necessary bills within the next two to three months. He emphasised that reviewing laws six or seven months before a general election is not ideal.
The push for early electoral reforms stems from past challenges where critical amendments were enacted too close to election dates, leading to disputes and undermining public confidence. Stakeholders, including the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), have consistently called for timely reforms to enable the IEBC to make adequate preparations for free, fair, and credible elections.
The Kenyan electoral legal framework has undergone significant overhauls since the 2007 post-election violence, with the 2010 Constitution introducing key principles of transparency, verifiability, and accountability. However, challenges in implementing these reforms and ensuring timely legislative changes have persisted.
Several key bills are currently before Parliament, including the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which seeks to reform voter registration and by-election processes. The Elections Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to expand the scope of electoral offences and introduce stricter penalties. Additionally, the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to enhance the regulation of party operations and extend public funding for independent candidates.
The IEBC, while not formally mandated to initiate electoral reform, plays a central role through consultations with stakeholders and proposing amendments to the government and legislature. The Commission has already finalised a majority of its proposals for amendments to election-related laws and regulations, which will be subjected to stakeholder engagements and public participation.
Speaker Wetang'ula acknowledged that restoring public trust in the IEBC remains an ongoing challenge and urged the new team to engage more openly with citizens. He stressed the importance of the commission remaining firm amidst high public expectations, especially with upcoming by-elections.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening operational systems and stakeholder confidence through early engagement. The IEBC has also called on the United Nations Electoral Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) for early and targeted support, particularly in addressing emerging digital threats like AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation.
Delays in electoral reforms can lead to legal challenges and erode public confidence in the electoral process, as witnessed in previous election cycles. The constitutional timelines rule out a boundary review before the 2027 polls, placing greater emphasis on voter registration to enhance participation.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has also issued a warning to civil servants, prohibiting their involvement in politics ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, threatening disciplinary action for non-compliance.
While Parliament has set a timeline for legislative action, the actual pace of debate and consensus-building on the proposed amendments remains to be seen. The IEBC's capacity to effectively engage with millions of unregistered voters and address emerging digital threats will be crucial.
Parliament aims to conclude election-related bills within the next two to three months. The IEBC will resume Continuous Voter Registration on Monday, September 29, 2025. The Commission is also prioritising 23 pending by-elections across the country.
Observers will be closely watching the progress of the electoral bills in Parliament and the IEBC's voter registration drive. The effectiveness of the new IEBC team in rebuilding public trust through transparent engagement and addressing technological challenges will be a key indicator of preparedness for the 2027 General Election. The European Union has also urged Kenya to fast-track electoral reforms for transparency and peace in 2027.
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