Nairobi: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), chaired by Erastus Ethekon, held a meeting with a delegation from the European Union and the EU Council Africa Working Party (COAFR) during their annual working visit to Kenya. The dialogue centered on Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, with a focus on electoral integrity, inclusion, and institutional readiness.
According to Kenya News Agency, Chairman Ethekon emphasized the Commission’s achievements, including the completion of over 30 by-elections since he took office. These elections have provided valuable insights into logistics and voter engagement. The IEBC also reported the registration of 2.6 million new voters, raising the total to 24.7 million, with a goal of 28.5 million for the upcoming general election.
The IEBC’s soon-to-be-launched Election Operation Plan (EOP) will deliver a comprehensive roadmap to 2027. Enhanced media engagement remains a priority to ensure communication is central to electoral preparedness. Ethekon addressed challenges related to trust, polarization, youth engagement, and digital threats, emphasizing the need for coordinated action, voter education, and public trust-building activities.
Fahima Abdallah Araphat, IEBC Vice Chairperson, highlighted efforts to include the diaspora in the electoral process, aiming to expand voter registration to 17 additional countries beyond embassies. Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu outlined reforms for gender inclusion, disability accessibility, and strategies for special interest groups to promote equitable democratic participation.
Mr. Alexandre Polack, EU COAFR Chair, reaffirmed the EU’s support for Kenya as a democratic partner, focusing on credible, transparent, and peaceful elections. The delegation expressed interest in understanding Kenya’s electoral landscape and pledged continued support for civic space, human rights, media freedom, and the inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized groups.
Both parties committed to enhancing cooperation to ensure that the 2027 General Election is peaceful, credible, inclusive, and trusted, acknowledging the importance of democratic stability for governance, development, and economic resilience.
