The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a KSh1.7 billion (USD 13.3 million) Electoral Support Programme to strengthen Kenya’s readiness for the 2027 General Election.
The agreement, signed on Thursday at IEBC’s Anniversary Towers, will support key electoral activities including continuous voter registration, civic and voter education, training of election officials, public communication and outreach programmes targeting women, youth and underserved communities.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator Garry Conille said the programme was not only about financial support but also about strengthening Kenya’s electoral institutions, protecting human rights and improving public confidence in the electoral process.
Conille said the partnership would contribute to building a credible and inclusive electoral environment ahead of the next General Election.
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, who represented the Office of the Attorney General, said the agreement reflected a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensure elections are conducted in accordance with the Constitution.
He noted that successful election preparation requires proper planning, voter awareness, public participation, effective mechanisms for preventing and resolving disputes, responsible use of resources and cooperation between institutions, the media, security agencies and citizens.
Representing the National Treasury, Raphael Owino acknowledged the financial challenges facing the IEBC and said the UN-supported programme would complement government efforts to fund election preparedness activities.
Owino encouraged other development partners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s electoral system.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission had already registered more than 2.5 million voters through the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise as part of preparations for the 2027 polls.
Ethekon said the partnership with UNDP would enhance voter education, staff training, public communication and registration efforts, especially among women, young people and communities that have historically faced challenges accessing electoral services.
He assured Kenyans that all resources received under the programme would be managed responsibly and subjected to regular audits to promote transparency and accountability.
The support programme comes as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election, with stakeholders focusing on improving voter participation, institutional capacity and public trust in the electoral process.
