The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged political aspirants to familiarise themselves with the electoral process early, warning that preparations for the 2027 General Election cannot be left to Election Day.
IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said electoral credibility would depend on how well citizens, aspirants and other stakeholders understand the electoral process and the mandate of the commission.
Dr Mukhwana, representing IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, spoke during an aspirants’ breakfast meeting hosted by CITAM Karen on Saturday.
The meeting, themed “Political Dialogue with a Biblical Perspective”, brought together prospective political leaders for discussions on elections, leadership and the responsibilities of political actors.
“The credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on Election Day activities but on how well citizens, aspirants and other stakeholders understand and embrace the electoral process,” Dr Mukhwana said.
He urged aspirants to seek accurate information directly from the commission rather than relying on what he described as inherited narratives, assumptions and unverified information.
“The Commission is preparing for the 2027 General Election while continuing to strengthen its systems and processes. I urge stakeholders to engage with the electoral process from an informed position,” he said.
The commissioner said IEBC was also paying attention to inclusion and accessibility as part of its preparations for the election.
He said the commission had been engaging underserved communities, including people in remote areas and persons with disabilities, who may face barriers to participating in elections.
Dr Mukhwana also raised concerns over misinformation and disinformation, saying information integrity would be critical as the country prepares for the next election.
He said registration of voters was only one part of the electoral process and called for continued public engagement beyond voter registration.
The commissioner also called for greater involvement of young people in democratic processes, saying they should not only be viewed as leaders of tomorrow.
“There is a need to engage young people early by not profiling them as leaders of tomorrow but making deliberate efforts to make them participants in today’s democratic processes,” he said.
The meeting also focused on ethical leadership.
CITAM Karen Senior Pastor Rev Dr Karita Mbagara challenged political aspirants to view leadership as stewardship and emphasised competence, integrity, accountability, service and respect for the dignity of citizens.
Prof Tim Kiruhi, Vice Chairperson of International Leadership University and Civic Education Chairperson of the Kenya National Prayer and Transformation Movement, challenged the aspirants to consider ethical leadership as a foundation for public service.
The engagement is part of IEBC’s wider consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
