The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by the Chairman, Erastus Ethekon, today hosted a delegation from the European Union and the EU Council Africa Working Party (COAFR) during their annual working visit to Kenya.
The discussions focused on Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 General Election and the Commission’s key priorities in the coming months, including electoral integrity, inclusion, and institutional readiness.
Ethekon highlighted major milestones, including over 30 by-elections conducted since assuming office, which have strengthened operational insight in logistics and voter engagement.
The Commission also reported 2.6 million new registered voters, bringing the total registered voters to 24.7 million, with a target of 28.5 million for the 2027 General Election.
The soon-to-be-launched Election Operation Plan (EOP) will outline the full roadmap to 2027, while enhanced media engagement continues to place communication at the centre of electoral preparedness.
He further emphasized growing challenges around trust, polarization, youth engagement, and the impact of digital threats such as misinformation, disinformation, and AI-driven manipulation, noting that credible elections require coordinated action, strong voter education, and sustained public trust-building activities.
The IEBC Vice Chairperson, Fahima Abdallah Araphat, underscored diaspora inclusion efforts, with plans to expand voter registration not only beyond embassies but also to 17 additional countries.
IEBC Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu highlighted the gender inclusion reforms, disability accessibility measures, and broader strategies targeting special interest groups to ensure equitable participation in the democratic process.
Mr. Alexandre Polack, EU COAFR Chair, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Kenya as a key democratic partner and emphasized support for credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.
The delegation expressed interest in deepening understanding of Kenya’s electoral environment and highlighted continued support for civic space, human rights, media freedom, and inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized groups.
The partners committed to strengthening cooperation and ensuring that the 2027 General Election is peaceful, credible, inclusive, and trusted, recognizing that democratic stability remains essential for governance, development, and long-term economic resilience.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
