IEBC will keep Kenyans informed at every stage of 2027 polls, says Ethekon

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched its Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan 2025–2027, setting out a roadmap for preparations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the launch, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the documents mark the start of a deliberate, structured and accountable journey towards the 2027 General Election and reaffirm the commission’s commitment to protecting the sovereign will of Kenyans.

Ethekon said the plans are grounded in constitutional principles that require elections to be free, fair, transparent, accountable, and administered impartially and efficiently.

He noted that the strategic plan is anchored on the theme “Inclusion and Participation in Deepening Democracy in Kenya” under the slogan “Your Vote, Your Voice – Kura Yako, Sauti Yako.”

According to the IEBC chairperson, the plan seeks to strengthen public confidence by promoting electoral processes that are inclusive, transparent, efficient and accountable.

“The Strategic Plan we launch today is the product of extensive consultations” involving government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, the media, women, youth, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders, Ethekon said.

He added that the contributions gathered during the consultations helped shape a roadmap that reflects Kenyans' aspirations and expectations.

The strategic plan identifies key priorities including managing elections, enhancing citizen engagement and participation, promoting equitable representation and strengthening institutional governance, risk management and evidence-based decision-making.

Ethekon said the Election Operations Plan is the practical implementation framework for the strategic plan and will guide all activities leading to the 2027 polls.

He explained that the plan translates the commission’s vision into “concrete activities, timelines, responsibilities and measurable milestones leading to the 2027 General Election.”

The IEBC chairperson said critical activities such as voter registration, voter education, election technology preparedness, procurement, electoral logistics, election security coordination, stakeholder engagement, training of election officials, diaspora voting arrangements and election dispute prevention will follow clearly defined timelines.

“This is our commitment to early planning, institutional preparedness, transparency, predictability and accountability,” he said.

He emphasised that successful elections require careful preparation, noting that “Good elections do not happen by chance; they are the result of meticulous planning, adequate preparation and unwavering adherence to the law.”

Ethekon also pledged greater openness throughout the electoral cycle.

“Kenyans deserve to know what the Commission is doing, when it is doing it and why—and we are committed to providing that assurance throughout the electoral cycle,” he said.

The commission, he added, has drawn lessons from previous elections, election observation missions, court decisions, post-election evaluations and stakeholder engagements to inform reforms and operational improvements.

“We are determined to strengthen every aspect of electoral management so that the 2027 General Election is professionally planned, efficiently executed and fully compliant with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” Ethekon said.

He further committed the commission to delivering elections that are “free, fair, transparent, credible, inclusive, peaceful and verifiable” while safeguarding “the sovereign will of every Kenyan voter.”

At the same time, Ethekon stressed that successful elections require collective effort from all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, the media, security agencies, civil society organisations and citizens.

“The ballot is the ultimate expression of the sovereign will of the people,” he said, urging Kenyans to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and all forms of electoral malpractice as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.