IEBC, EU Deepen Cooperation Ahead of 2027 General Election

Kenya, May 22, 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the European Union have pledged to strengthen cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with discussions focusing on electoral integrity, inclusion and preparedness.

IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon hosted a delegation from the European Union and the EU Council Africa Working Party (COAFR) during their annual working visit to Kenya, where the two sides reviewed the country’s electoral readiness and emerging challenges facing democratic processes.

Mr Ethekon said the commission had made significant progress since assuming office, including the successful conduct of more than 30 by-elections that provided critical lessons in logistics and voter engagement.

He revealed that the number of registered voters had risen to 24.7 million following the registration of 2.6 million new voters, with the commission targeting 28.5 million voters ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The soon-to-be-launched Election Operation Plan will provide the full roadmap to the 2027 General Election,” Mr Ethekon said.

He added that the commission was placing greater emphasis on media engagement and public communication as part of efforts to boost confidence in the electoral process.

The IEBC chair, however, warned of growing threats to credible elections, citing rising political polarization, declining public trust, youth disengagement and the spread of misinformation and disinformation online.

“Credible elections require coordinated action, strong voter education and sustained public trust-building activities,” he said, noting that artificial intelligence-driven manipulation had emerged as a major concern globally.

IEBC Vice-Chairperson Fahima Abdallah Araphat said the commission was seeking to expand diaspora voter registration beyond embassies to 17 additional countries in a bid to enhance inclusion.

Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the electoral agency was also implementing reforms aimed at improving gender inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, alongside broader measures targeting special interest groups.

“We are strengthening strategies to ensure equitable participation in the democratic process for all Kenyans,” Dr Nderitu said.

EU COAFR Chair Alexandre Polack reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Kenya’s democratic processes, describing the country as a key partner in the region.

“We remain committed to supporting credible, transparent and peaceful elections in Kenya,” Mr Polack said.

The EU delegation also underscored the importance of protecting civic space, human rights and media freedom while promoting the inclusion of youth, women and marginalized groups in governance processes.

Both parties committed to continued collaboration to ensure the 2027 General Election is peaceful, inclusive and trusted, saying democratic stability remains vital for governance, development and long-term economic resilience.