The newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), under the leadership of Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, has identified the completion of pending by-elections as its top priority as it gears up for the 2027 general election.
Through a statement on the commission’s X platform account, it has acknowledged the prolonged constitutional crisis that had left many Kenyans without representation in various electoral areas due to deaths, resignations, and judicial rulings.
“IEBC will work with parliament and political parties to address the issues of pending by-elections in the coming days,” the statement read. “This is our first priority given the fact that the people in those affected areas must have their elected representatives within the shortest time possible.”
There are currently 23 pending by-elections across the country, including those for the National Assembly, Senate, and County Assemblies. The Commission also noted that writs previously issued for some of these vacancies have expired, and it will consult with the respective Speakers of Parliament on the next steps.
The IEBC assured the public that despite challenges, it is committed to resolving this issue as swiftly as possible to ensure Kenyans’ right to representation is restored without delay. The Commission is working to finalize the necessary budgetary allocations and operational frameworks to conduct these elections.
In addition to by-elections, the IEBC also highlighted other priorities, including the resumption of voter registration, boundary delimitation, and legal reforms to enhance Kenya’s electoral processes ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We hear the voices of young Kenyans demanding the opportunity to be counted and to be actively involved in the democratic processes of rebuilding our country,” the statement added.
As the 2027 General election draws closer by each day, all eyes will be on the newly constituted electoral body to deliver inclusive, credible and transparent electoral outcomes in strict adherence to the rule of law.
