Civil society organizations have raised concerns about Kenya’s electoral preparations and called for immediate reforms to ensure the credibility of future elections. The groups, which focus on constitutional governance, elections, transparency, accountability, and human rights, issued a joint statement at a Nairobi hotel today highlighting the urgent need for action.
The organizations stressed that Kenya’s electoral system faces serious challenges that must be addressed before the next general elections. They noted that the prolonged absence of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, including the chairman, has created uncertainty. They called for a transparent, inclusive and independent recruitment process to restore public confidence in the electoral body.
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The civil society leaders also urged political leaders to respect the selection process and refrain from interfering in the appointment of commissioners. They stressed the need for all relevant state institutions to ensure efficiency and transparency in the recruitment process. Any delays, they warned, could negatively affect preparations for the elections and undermine confidence in the system.
The organizations also called for the urgent implementation of key electoral reforms, stressing the need to finalize critical legislation, such as the campaign finance law and amendments to the law on political parties. They noted that international election observers had previously recommended reforms, but little progress had been made since the 2022 general elections. They insisted that all necessary changes should be in place at least 24 months before the next elections to ensure a fair process.
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On voter registration, the groups praised efforts to issue national identification cards to eligible youth. However, they expressed concern about corruption, delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies that continue to hamper the process. They recommended mobile registration drives, digitized applications, and the establishment of integrated service centers to ensure that more young people obtain IDs and register to vote.
In addition, the organizations urged Parliament to expedite electoral legislation, including campaign finance regulations. They warned that failure to implement strict rules could allow the use of illegal funds, leading to unfair elections. They called on all stakeholders, including civil society, the media and election management bodies, to remain actively engaged in the reform process.
The civil society leaders emphasized that securing Kenya’s democracy requires urgent action and collective responsibility. They urged all parties to prioritize electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent and fair elections in the future.
