The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has sought technical support from Switzerland to improve electoral dispute resolution, voter education, and political party conduct in preparation for Kenya's 2027 General Election.

On August 12, 2026, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon met with a delegation from the Embassy of Switzerland, led by Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Steve Tharakan, to discuss strategies for strengthening electoral governance in Kenya.

Key Focus Areas Discussed

  • Electoral Dispute Resolution: Enhancing mechanisms to settle disputes efficiently, including extending the pre-election dispute resolution period from 10 to 14 working days to allow thorough handling of complaints.
  • Voter Education: Intensifying efforts to educate voters, especially new registrants, on registration procedures, voting rights, and the electoral process to promote informed participation.
  • Code of Conduct: Developing guidelines for candidates and political parties to foster ethical campaigning and political behavior.

Preparations for a Growing Electorate

Following a successful Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise that added over 2.6 million new voters, Kenya's registered electorate now stands at approximately 24.7 million. The IEBC aims to register 28.5 million voters ahead of the 2027 polls.

With millions expected to vote for the first time, the commission emphasizes comprehensive voter education and inclusive registration processes that accommodate persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Expanding International Partnerships

This collaboration with Swiss experts complements IEBC's broader international engagement initiatives. Earlier in 2026, the commission engaged with the European Union and other regional partners to bolster electoral integrity, institutional readiness, and capacity building.

These efforts align with IEBC's Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan 2025–2027, which outline a framework for managing the complexities of the upcoming election, including a six-ballot voting system and thousands of candidates.

Building Public Confidence

IEBC Chairperson Ethekon has reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency, early stakeholder engagement, and inclusivity to rebuild trust in Kenya’s electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.