Nairobi: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has re-affirmed its resolve to strengthen public confidence through stakeholder engagement and institutional reforms. IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the Commission is committed to delivering a credible, inclusive, and transparent General Election in 2027.
According to Kenya News Agency, the remarks were conveyed by IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah during an external stakeholder validation meeting for the Strategic Plan 2024-2029. The meeting, held at the Kenya School of Government on Monday, highlighted the draft Strategic Plan and the Election Operations Plan 2025-2027, which are set to guide the Commission's priorities, reforms, and election preparedness in the coming years.
Ethekon emphasized the importance of transparency in the Commission's operations, noting that involving stakeholders in the planning process would promote accountability, public confidence, and shared ownership of electoral processes. He acknowledged that the previous Strategic Plan 2020-2024 expired in June 2024 and development of a new plan was delayed due to the absence of commissioners at the time. However, the appointment of a new Commission in September 2025 has facilitated the institution's efforts to strengthen its constitutional mandate.
The IEBC Chair underscored the Commission's achievements, including successful by-elections in November 2025 and February 2026, which enhanced operational preparedness and refined election management processes. He also reported that the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise achieved 94% of its target, attributing the success to improved efficiency and increased citizen participation in democratic processes.
Ethekon outlined the new strategic plan, which focuses on four key result areas: Managing Elections, Citizen Engagement and Participation, Equitable Representation, and Institutional Resilience. He emphasized the alignment of operations such as voter registration, voter education, staff recruitment and training, and the deployment of technology, all aimed at delivering an election that is inclusive, peaceful, credible, verifiable, and efficient.
The upcoming 2027 General Election is central to the Commission's planning horizon. Ethekon revealed preparations for the constitutionally mandated boundaries delimitation exercise, which will be executed through a phased approach to ensure fair representation and equitable distribution of electoral units. The credibility of this process hinges on technical rigor, transparency, and stakeholder participation.
Ethekon urged stakeholders to actively engage in scrutinizing the draft plans, identify gaps, and submit evidence-based recommendations through thematic sessions, written memoranda, and email submissions within 14 days. This will allow the incorporation of stakeholder feedback before finalizing the Strategic Plan and the Election Operations Plan.
He reiterated the Commission's commitment to openness, dialogue, and continuous stakeholder engagement, affirming that the IEBC will continue to provide platforms for constructive interaction in strengthening Kenya's democracy.