Elections are the cornerstone of any democratic society, and in Kenya, this process is overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The IEBC is a constitutionally mandated body responsible for conducting free, fair, and credible elections and referenda. Since its establishment under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the Commission has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory.
Understanding how the IEBC operates and how elections are conducted is essential for every Kenyan citizen, especially as the nation prepares for future electoral events such as the 2027 General Elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is established under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. It is an independent body tasked with the mandate of managing and supervising elections and referenda at both the national and county levels. The IEBC also plays a central role in setting electoral boundaries, regulating political parties’ nominations, and ensuring transparency in the entire electoral process. It comprises a Chairperson, six commissioners, and a Secretariat, which handles the commission’s day-to-day operations under the leadership of the CEO.
The independence of the IEBC is protected by law to ensure that it can carry out its functions free from political interference. Its integrity, impartiality, and professionalism are vital in maintaining public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
The IEBC’s responsibilities go beyond just managing elections. Its mandate includes a wide range of tasks that ensure electoral processes are credible and inclusive. These include: Voter registration and the maintenance of an updated and accurate voter registration, delimitation of electoral boundaries, which involves reviewing constituency and ward boundaries to ensure equitable representation, regulation of political party nominations and ensuring compliance with the electoral code of conduct, conducting and supervising referenda and all electoral processes at national and county levels, educating voters on the importance of participation and the electoral process itself, facilitating electoral observation and monitoring, both by local and international observers, handling electoral disputes, particularly those arising from nominations and elections, excluding presidential petitions, which are handled by the Supreme Court.
The electoral process in Kenya is a step-by-step system designed to ensure citizen participation, transparency, and legitimacy. Each stage plays a critical role in ensuring the successful administration of elections.
The Electoral Process in Kenya
1. voter registration
The process begins with voter registration. Kenyan citizens who are 18 years or older and have a valid national ID or passport are eligible to register. The IEBC conducts mass voter registration exercises and also provides continuous registration at constituency offices. Once registered, voters receive a voter’s card, and their biometric data (fingerprints and facial details) are captured to prevent multiple registrations.
2. Voter Verification
Before the election, the IEBC opens the voter register for public scrutiny. This verification process allows registered voters to confirm their details and request corrections in case of any discrepancies. This step is vital for ensuring the integrity of the voter register.
3. Party Primaries and Candidate Nomination
Political parties conduct internal nominations to select candidates for various elective positions. Independent candidates must also submit their papers and meet specific requirements. Once nominated, all candidates submit their papers to the IEBC for vetting and clearance. The Commission ensures that candidates meet the constitutional and legal qualifications, including Chapter Six of the Constitution, which deals with Leadership and Integrity.
4. Campaign Period
Once candidates are cleared, the campaign period officially begins. This is the time for candidates to present their manifestos and engage with voters across the country. The IEBC monitors campaigns to ensure they adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits hate speech, bribery, violence, and misuse of public resources. The campaigns end 48 hours before the election day, giving voters time to reflect before making their decision.
5. Voting Day
Election day in Kenya is a public holiday. Voting begins at 6:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. Voters go to their designated polling stations with their ID or passport. The IEBC uses the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) for voter identification using biometrics.
Each voter casts six ballots for the following positions; President, member of Parliament (MP), Senator, governor, woman representative, member of County Assembly (MCA)
Voting is conducted through secret ballot, and ballot boxes are color-coded for easy identification. Voters dip their fingers in indelible ink after voting to prevent double voting.
6. Counting and Tallying of Votes
Vote counting takes place immediately after the polls close, in the presence of agents, observers, and the public. Results are announced at the polling station and physically and electronically transmitted to the constituency and national tallying centers. Tallying and verification of results follow strict procedures to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The IEBC has up to seven days to declare presidential election results. Other results are declared as soon as counting and verification are completed.
7. Dispute Resolution
In case of disputes, electoral petitions can be filed in court. While the IEBC handles disputes related to party nominations and general election processes, presidential election disputes are exclusively handled by the Supreme Court, which must make a ruling within 14 days of the petition being filed.
8. Announcement of Winners and Transition
Once results are confirmed, the IEBC issues certificates to elected officials. For the presidency, if no candidate secures at least 50% +1 of the vote and 25% of votes in at least 24 counties, a run-off is held. A smooth and peaceful transition is facilitated under constitutional timelines.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is an essential pillar of Kenya’s democracy. By ensuring transparent and credible elections, the IEBC upholds the people’s sovereign right to choose their leaders. For the electoral process to be truly effective, citizens must be informed and actively engaged from registration to voting, and even beyond, through accountability and civic participation.
As Kenya approaches future elections, especially in 2027, it is critical for voters, especially the youth, to understand and engage with the electoral process. Democracy works best when everyone plays their part — and it begins with knowing how the system functions.