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.
IEBC Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, said 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 Wednesday, when the IEBC held a prayer breakfast meeting with the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Ethekon said that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) commenced in September 2025 and will be complemented by Enhanced Mass Voter Registration (MVR), which is planned to be escalated to the ward level in March 2026.
“To support this process, the IEBC is implementing pre-registration reforms and system upgrades aimed at improving efficiency, reducing congestion at registration centres and enhancing the overall voter experience, particularly for young voters and first-time registrants,” he said.
The Chairperson underscored the importance of moral leadership, national unity and collective responsibility in safeguarding Kenya’s democratic processes.
He noted that the engagement with the faith community reflects the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, dialogue and trust-building.
The Chairperson further noted that the Commission has invested in staff training, digitisation of systems, and continuous stakeholder engagement, recognising that election preparedness is an ongoing and inclusive process.
He emphasised that preparedness does not occur in isolation, noting that the Commission continues to engage faith-based organisations, civil society, political parties, media, security agencies, and development partners.
These partnerships, he said, are critical to voter education, peacebuilding, transparency and public trust.
Despite progress, the Chairperson noted several challenges facing the Commission, 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 effective preparation.
“Additionally, the rising threat of misinformation and misuse of digital platforms continues to undermine public trust, peace, and social cohesion,” said Ethekon.
Speaking on behalf of the faith community, EAK Chairperson Bishop Philip Kitoto noted that the Church’s mandate is to be salt in every sphere of society.
He observed that Kenya, more than 50 years since independence, should not still be grappling with destructive vices but instead should be modelling cohesion, integrity, and justice.
He emphasised that the Church cannot remain silent in moments of injustice, violence, or moral decay regardless of the source, stating that it speaks not from political convenience but as a voice of reason rooted in the heart of God.
As the country looks ahead to the 2027 General Election, Bishop Kitoto underscored the importance of a clear roadmap toward peace, unity, and national cohesion.
He strongly advocated for collaborative dialogue, especially during periods of political tension, ideological differences, and polarisation, and unequivocally condemned all forms of violence, hate speech, and incitement.
The prayer breakfast provided a platform to reaffirm the role of faith leaders as trusted voices in society, particularly 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.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
