By MKT Reporter
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has intensified preparations for the 2027 General Election, outlining plans aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, expanding voter registration, and addressing emerging digital threats.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the European Union and the EU Council Africa Working Party (COAFR), IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission had already registered significant progress ahead of the polls.
Ethekon noted that the commission has conducted more than 30 by-elections since the current team assumed office, helping improve operational preparedness in areas such as logistics and voter engagement.
He revealed that the commission has so far registered 2.6 million new voters, increasing the national voter register to 24.7 million. The IEBC is targeting 28.5 million registered voters by the time Kenyans head to the polls in 2027.
According to the chairperson, the commission is finalising an Election Operation Plan (EOP), which will provide the roadmap for preparations leading to the General Election.
He also underscored the growing challenge posed by misinformation, disinformation, political polarization, and artificial intelligence-driven digital manipulation, warning that such threats could undermine public trust in elections if not effectively addressed.
“Credible elections require coordinated action, strong voter education and sustained public trust-building,” Ethekon said.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah Araphat highlighted plans to expand diaspora voter registration beyond Kenyan embassies to an additional 17 countries as part of efforts to increase participation among Kenyans living abroad.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission was also implementing reforms aimed at improving gender inclusion, disability accessibility, and participation of special interest groups in the electoral process.
The European Union delegation, led by EU COAFR Chair Alexandre Polack, reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Kenya’s democratic processes and peaceful elections.
Polack described Kenya as a key democratic partner and said the EU remained committed to supporting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
The delegation also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Kenya on civic space, media freedom, human rights, and inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized communities in democratic processes.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that the 2027 General Election is peaceful, credible, inclusive, and trusted.
The discussions come as the country gradually shifts focus toward the next General Election amid increasing public debate on electoral reforms, voter confidence, and the role of technology in future elections.
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