Political leaders and electoral stakeholders have called for greater transparency, inclusivity and sustained consultation in Kenya’s electoral planning processes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) rolls out its long-term reform agenda.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operation Plan (EOP) 2025–2027, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who represented Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, stressed that elections must remain firmly in the hands of citizens and not institutions acting in isolation.
Muturi said the planning of electoral processes should be conducted in an open and consultative manner, involving all key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society and oversight institutions.
“Elections belong to the people of Kenya and must be planned in an open and transparent manner,” he said, adding that continuous engagement is necessary in the development and implementation of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operation Plan (EOP) 2025–2027.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has embarked on the two frameworks as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening electoral preparedness, enhancing credibility and improving operational efficiency ahead of future elections.
Muturi further cautioned against over-reliance on technology in the electoral process, warning that democratic legitimacy must not be compromised by systems that are not fully transparent or independently verifiable.
“Democracy must never become captive to technology. Every stage of the electoral process must be transparent and audited,” he said, noting that public confidence in elections is closely tied to how results are transmitted, verified and announced.
He added that confidence in electoral outcomes can either be strengthened or weakened depending on the credibility of result transmission systems, calling for robust safeguards and independent verification mechanisms.
The remarks come amid continued national debate over electoral reforms, with political actors and governance experts emphasising the need for stronger stakeholder participation in the design and implementation of electoral systems.
The IEBC has in recent years faced heightened scrutiny over election management processes, prompting renewed calls for reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening trust and ensuring that electoral outcomes reflect the will of the people.
The launch of the strategic plan and election operation framework is expected to guide the commission’s preparations for future electoral cycles, with stakeholders urging sustained engagement to avoid past disputes and enhance public confidence in the democratic process.
