The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced an ambitious plan to address long-pending electoral issues and prepare for the 2027 General Election. 

Addressing the press in Mombasa, IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, announced the Commission’s priorities, marking the first major update since the team assumed office on 11th July 2025.

Ethekon also noted that they will prioritise several by-elections that left 23 electoral areas without representation due to deaths, resignations, and court rulings.

“IEBC will collaborate with Parliament to expedite the issuance of fresh writs, as previous ones have expired. We assure Kenyans in these areas that their right to representation will be restored swiftly,” said Ethekon.

Among the vacant seats are one in the Senate, six in the National Assembly, and 16 County Assembly wards.
 
At the same time, the IEBC chair has announced the resumption of voter registration in August 2025 following growing demands from youth and political leaders.

“A credible voter register is the foundation of free and fair elections,” emphasized Ethekon, citing constitutional mandates under Article 88.

As a matter of priority and in a bid to enhance transparency in our processes, the Commission will amplify stakeholder engagements to appraise the public on our programs, plans and activities. Furthermore, the Commission will proactively conduct targeted voter education on all… pic.twitter.com/eUDyN97joL
— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) July 24, 2025

The process was suspended after the 2022 elections due to the Commission’s incomplete status.

The Commission also acknowledged delays in the constitutionally mandated boundary delimitation exercise, originally due by March 2024. 

“IEBC has sought the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion after consulting the Attorney General. Stakeholders will be engaged once the court rules,” he stated.

Still on matters elections, the commission announced that it has submitted six draft bills to Parliament, including amendments to election laws, political party regulations, and campaign financing rules. 

With the 10th August 2027 General Election in focus, IEBC has also pledged transparency and inclusivity. 

“We call on all stakeholders, citizens, Parliament, civil society, and the media to join us in strengthening Kenya’s democracy,” Ethekon concluded.