The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for the fast-tracking of electoral reforms, saying the timely enactment of pending legislation will be crucial to the successful conduct of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) meeting in Mombasa on Tuesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said preparations for the next General Election were underway but warned that legal and institutional support would be critical to meeting constitutional timelines.
Addressing senior officials drawn from the Judiciary and other justice sector institutions at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mr Ethekon said the commission was working towards delivering a credible, transparent and peaceful election.
He said the IEBC had made progress on key operational milestones and updated the meeting on the Commission's preparations, critical electoral timelines and the status of the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
"The Commission's state of preparedness for the 2027 General Election underscores the importance of coordinated action among justice sector institutions to safeguard the rule of law, constitutionalism, electoral integrity and access to justice," Mr Ethekon said.
He added that the proposed amendments to election laws should be enacted in good time to provide the legal certainty required to plan and conduct the country's next General Election.
The meeting brought together Chief Justice Martha Koome, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson David Oginde, Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other members of the National Council on the Administration of Justice.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration among institutions involved in the administration of justice to ensure the country holds a free, fair and credible election in 2027.
Mr Ethekon was accompanied by Commissioners Marykaren Sorobit and Dr Ann Nderitu, as well as the Commission's Director of Legal Services, Chrispine Owiye.
The IEBC has in recent weeks intensified its engagements with stakeholders following the appointment of a new team of commissioners, signalling the beginning of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Among the immediate priorities facing the electoral agency are implementation of legal reforms, voter registration, election technology procurement, recruitment of election officials and public voter education.
The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to refine the legal framework governing elections and address gaps identified in previous electoral processes and court rulings. The Commission has consistently maintained that delays in passing the legislation could affect the timely implementation of key electoral activities.
The NCAJ, a multi-agency body bringing together institutions in the justice sector, has traditionally played a central role in coordinating responses to electoral disputes and strengthening institutional cooperation before, during and after elections.
Tuesday's meeting comes as political parties begin laying the groundwork for the August 2027 General Election, with electoral preparedness and legal reforms emerging as key issues in the country's political discourse.
