By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs Editor, AARAN TV KE
The Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights has intensified efforts to bolster Kenya’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 General Election, engaging key institutions in a high-level consultative meeting focused on preparedness, legal reforms and institutional readiness.
The session, chaired by Committee Chairperson Sen. Wakili Hillary Sigei, brought together representatives from the Judiciary Committee on Elections, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to brief senators on their state of preparedness and proposed legislative reforms.
Addressing the meeting, Sen. Sigei underscored the need for timely electoral reforms, warning against last-minute legislative changes that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“The Committee is keen to ensure that all proposals relating to the 2027 General Election are processed in good time. Electoral reforms must not come too late because delayed reforms create uncertainty for institutions, candidates and voters,” said Sen. Sigei.
The Judiciary, represented by Justice Francis Tuiyott, outlined its strategy for ensuring efficient and credible resolution of election-related disputes, emphasizing early planning as a cornerstone of electoral justice.
“The Judiciary is preparing early because election dispute resolution is time-sensitive and central to public confidence in the democratic process. Our focus is to strengthen case management, capacity building, technology integration and stakeholder coordination before the country enters the full election cycle,” Justice Tuiyott said.
The Judiciary further proposed reforms touching on election dispute resolution mechanisms, alternative dispute resolution processes, appellate procedures, the review powers of election courts and enhanced funding during election periods.
On behalf of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou highlighted the institution’s focus on strengthening political party governance, digital membership systems and compliance monitoring.
“Political parties are the gateway to elections. If party nominations, membership registers and coalition arrangements are not clear and credible, the pressure shifts to tribunals, courts and the broader electoral system,” Mr. Lorionokou noted.
The ORPP also presented proposals seeking amendments to the Political Parties Act, including reforms on party nominations, coalition agreements, voluntary dissolution of political parties, party defections, internal democracy and the adoption of technology in party operations.
Meanwhile, the IEBC delegation, led by Ruth Kulundu, briefed senators on the commission’s preparations, including continuous voter registration, election operations, voter education programmes, technology infrastructure and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
“The Commission remains on course in its preparations for the 2027 General Election. Our priority is to strengthen voter registration, improve operational systems, enhance civic education and work closely with stakeholders to deliver a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process,” Ms. Kulundu stated.
The Sigei-led committee is expected to review the submissions and legislative proposals presented by the stakeholders as Parliament begins laying the groundwork for electoral reforms aimed at safeguarding the integrity, transparency and credibility of the 2027 General Election.
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