EU Team Raises Alarm Over Slow Electoral Reforms in Kenya
The European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU EFM) has raised concerns over the sluggish pace of electoral reforms in Kenya, just two and a half years before the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Nairobi, EU EFM head Ivan Stefanec highlighted the lack of progress in implementing key recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) after the 2022 elections.
“We’ve observed limited advancement in adopting the recommendations provided by our mission in 2022,” Stefanec stated.
The delay in appointing new commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was cited as a major concern. According to Stefanec, this has stalled critical electoral processes, including pending by-elections, boundary reviews, and continuous voter registration.
“The IEBC’s reconstitution must not face further delays, and adequate funding should be allocated promptly to facilitate preparations for the 2027 elections,” he urged.
The EU deployed the follow-up mission earlier this month to evaluate Kenya's progress in electoral reforms. Stefanec noted that of the 21 recommendations outlined in the EU EOM’s 2022 final report, only one—the IEBC Amendment Act—had seen significant progress.
While acknowledging the role of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) in shaping electoral reforms, Stefanec pointed out that many recommendations, such as activating the campaign finance law and ensuring freedom of expression, remain unaddressed.
Priority reforms identified by the EU Observer Mission include:
Adequate funding for continuous voter education. Regular audits and consultations for electoral technology. Implementation of the Election Campaign Financing Act. Clear definitions of hate speech aligned with international standards. Repeal of restrictive sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Streamlined procedures for tallying center operations.
Stefanec emphasized the importance of establishing an independent and functional IEBC well ahead of the next elections, a sentiment echoed by multiple stakeholders.
The EU team also extended condolences following the passing of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
