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EU Urges Kenya to Fast-track Electoral Reforms for 2027 Elections
Gerald Kombo
February 21, 2025
Nairobi, 21 February 2025 – The European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU EFM) has called on Kenyan authorities to accelerate electoral reforms to ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in 2027. Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Mr. Ivan Štefanec, the head of the mission, highlighted both progress and critical gaps in implementing recommendations from the 2022 EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM).
There is some positive movement in certain areas, as discussions on electoral reforms have commenced. We noted, however, a lack of tangible progress in the implementation of recommendations offered by the EU EOM in 2022
The EU deployed the follow-up mission to Kenya from 2 February to 1 March 2025 to assess the status of electoral reforms. The team engaged with key stakeholders, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), political parties, civil society, media representatives, and development partners. A stakeholder roundtable held on 20 February examined the extent to which the EU EOM 2022 recommendations had been implemented.
Key Recommendations & Concerns
The 2022 EU EOM made 21 recommendations, with seven considered priorities. These include:
Adequate funding and timely appointments of new IEBC commissioners to avoid disruptions in election preparations.
Regular voter education and improved technology for continuous voter registration.
Strengthening campaign finance laws to enhance transparency.
Amending the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to protect free speech while combating misinformation.
Štefanec raised concerns that delays in appointing new IEBC commissioners have stalled electoral preparations, including boundary delimitation and voter registration.
The delay in appointing new IEBC commissioners has effectively postponed pending by-elections and halted continuous voter registration, compromising the overall preparations for the 2027 elections. It is essential that the IEBC is reconstituted without further delays and has adequate and timely allocated funding to prepare for the Elections.
Strengthening Electoral Integrity
Štefanec underscored the importance of strengthening the IEBC’s independence and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. He urged authorities to uphold Kenya’s democratic commitments, align electoral laws with international standards, and engage all electoral stakeholders constructively.
The credibility of elections depends on ensuring every citizen can register as a voter, exercise their right to vote, and stand as candidates without undue barriers.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya in achieving robust electoral reforms. The final report of the follow-up mission will be published in the coming months.
For further details, access the EU EOM 2022 Final Report here.