According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, over 99 per cent of Kenya Integrated Election Management System kits functioned seamlessly in last month’s by-elections, further boosting the credibility and integrity of the vote.
Despite the strong performance, the Commission acknowledged persistent challenges, including voter apathy, misinformation and isolated security incidents, even as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon gave the update on Monday during a high-level Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Nairobi, where he provided a detailed breakdown of the November 27 by-elections. He said the Commission invested heavily in planning, from recruiting and training election officials to deploying KIEMS kits, enforcing the Electoral Code of Conduct and coordinating with security agencies countrywide.
He said that his leadership had achieved major operational gains in timely opening of polling stations, transparent counting of votes, quick transmission of results, and smooth collaboration with security teams.
Ethekon added that a Ksh798 million budget allocation ensured IEBC’s operational readiness, cushioning the institution from early funding delays. Election officials finished the recruitment, vetting, and training exercises as scheduled, while the Commission also stepped up voter education and stakeholder engagement through media campaigns, observer briefings, and outreach to communities.
The Chairperson commended the Dispute Resolution Committee for enforcing the Electoral Code of Conduct during the Kasipul Constituency by-election for Member of Parliament, noting that the Committee had fined candidates who contravened the rules of campaigns. He called on candidates, particularly those targeting the 2027 race, to file their complaints with Returning Officers and desist from escalating issues through the media or misinformation.
Ethekon also stated that he will be serving as the Presidential Election Returning Officer for the 2027 General Election.
With an emphasis on due process, he reminded stakeholders that the Commission cannot entertain shortcuts or speculation. He said all actions must rely on verified facts, adding that IEBC cannot simultaneously run elections and respond to endless rumours.
“We cannot run elections, manage materials, oversee polling stations, and simultaneously chase after rumours,” said Ethekon.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah expressed deep concern about low youth turnout, calling on young voters to register and participate in 2027. She thanked stakeholders for supporting the Commission, adding that “election is everyone’s job” and urging continued cooperation.
Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, MBS, applauded IEBC staff, security personnel, political actors, media teams, election observers and community leaders for ensuring orderly polling, timely deployment of materials and effective voter identification using KIEMS kits.
He pointed out that the involvement of 173 observer groups, voter educators, and media outlets helps further increase transparency and bolsters confidence among voters.
“The scale of the exercise conducting the elections in the 22 electoral areas across diverse counties offered valuable insights into IEBC’s logistical systems, stakeholder engagement and field operations. This showed the critical contributions of 173 observer groups, voter educators, and the media in supporting transparency and building voter confidence,” Marjan said.
He noted that the Commission must continue addressing gaps, referencing “voter apathy, logistical gaps, misinformation, and isolated security incidents.”
Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) Chairperson Evans Misati welcomed the successful by-elections, saying the committee received no major complaints about electoral materials. He urged political parties to play a more active role in verifying sensitive materials and ballot paper serial numbers to promote transparency and counter claims of irregularities.
Misati called for zero tolerance for electoral malpractice, condemned “super agents” and the use of force, and stressed ethical conduct in campaign financing and voter engagement. He further asked IEBC to ban actions such as photographing marked ballot papers to protect ballot secrecy.
PPLC concluded by urging stronger collaboration, accountability and clear communication to help curb misinformation and reinforce public trust in the electoral process.
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