Nairobi: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is in the process of finalising a comprehensive Election Operations Plan for the 2025-2027 electoral cycle, which will serve as the blueprint for planning, coordination, and execution of all electoral activities.
According to Kenya News Agency, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the Commission has adopted a cycle-based approach to election preparedness, drawing lessons from the 2022 General Election and subsequent by-elections. Speaking in Nairobi during a prayer breakfast meeting with the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Ethekon mentioned that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) began in September 2025 and will be complemented by Enhanced Mass Voter Registration (MVR), planned to escalate to the ward level in March 2026. He highlighted ongoing pre-registration reforms and system upgrades aimed at improving efficiency, reducing congestion at registration centers, and enhancing the overall voter experience.
The Chairperson stressed the importance of moral leadership, national unity, and collective responsibility in safeguarding Kenya’s democratic processes. He noted that engaging with the faith community reflects the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and trust-building. Furthermore, he highlighted the Commission’s investment in staff training, digitisation of systems, and continuous stakeholder engagement, emphasising that election preparedness is an ongoing and inclusive process.
Ethekon pointed out that preparedness does not occur in isolation, as the Commission continues to engage with faith-based organisations, civil society, political parties, media, security agencies, and development partners. These partnerships are deemed critical to voter education, peacebuilding, transparency, and public trust. However, he acknowledged several challenges, including inadequate and delayed funding and delays in electoral legal reforms, which ideally should be finalised at least one year before a General Election to allow for effective preparation. He also mentioned the rising threat of misinformation and misuse of digital platforms as factors undermining public trust, peace, and social cohesion.
Bishop Philip Kitoto, speaking on behalf of the faith community and EAK Chairperson, noted the Church’s mandate to influence every sphere of society. He expressed that Kenya, over 50 years since independence, should focus on modeling cohesion, integrity, and justice rather than grappling with destructive vices. Kitoto asserted that the Church should not remain silent in moments of injustice, violence, or moral decay, stating its role as a voice of reason rooted in divine principles.
As Kenya looks ahead to the 2027 General Election, Bishop Kitoto highlighted the necessity of a clear roadmap toward peace, unity, and national cohesion. He advocated for collaborative dialogue during periods of political tension and polarisation and condemned all forms of violence, hate speech, and incitement. The prayer breakfast served as a platform to reaffirm the role of faith leaders as trusted voices in promoting peaceful participation, ethical leadership, and national cohesion.
The Commission expressed appreciation to the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya for convening the meeting and reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with the faith community as Kenya prepares for the 2027 general election.
