By Perez Karisa, June 24, 2026
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the launch of its Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operation Plan (EOP) 2025–2027, while urging the commission to strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the management of Kenya’s electoral processes.
Speaking during the official launch event on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Gathungu said that public trust in electoral systems cannot be built on election day alone, but must be continuously earned through consistent transparency, active stakeholder engagement, and timely communication with the public.
She noted that the Office of the Auditor General remains committed to strengthening oversight institutions across the country by promoting institutional resilience, improving risk management systems, and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and responsibly, particularly within key democratic bodies such as the IEBC.
Gathungu described the newly launched planning documents as critical governance frameworks that will guide the electoral commission over the next five years. She said the plans offer a structured roadmap for strengthening accountability mechanisms and maintaining public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She further emphasized the need for inclusivity across all stages of the electoral cycle, urging the commission to prioritize broad citizen participation and ensure that no groups are excluded from key democratic processes.
The IEBC’s dual frameworks, developed under the theme “Inclusion and Participation in Deepening Democracy in Kenya,” are designed to guide both long-term institutional reforms and short-term election preparedness strategies.
Speaking at the same event, Research and ICT Committee Chair Prof. Francis Aduol said a significant portion of the strategic plan focuses on institutional transformation aimed at improving efficiency, credibility, and operational readiness ahead of the 2027 polls.
He outlined key milestones within the commission’s roadmap, including strict electoral timelines. According to the IEBC schedule, political party primaries are expected to be concluded by May 9, 2027, while official campaign activities will run from May 29 to August 7, 2027, ending 48 hours before the General Election.
The commission’s leadership reiterated that adherence to these timelines will be critical in ensuring orderly preparations and minimizing disputes during the electoral cycle.
The launch comes amid growing national attention on electoral reforms, with stakeholders increasingly calling for stronger safeguards to enhance credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Kenya’s democratic processes.
