IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon during a past meeting in his office. PHOTO | COURTESYThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has formally gazetted the commencement of the election period for the August 10, 2027 polls, setting out a detailed roadmap governing voter registration, political party activities, candidate nominations, campaigns, election offences and preparations for the polls.IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission had published Kenya Gazette Notice No. 13497 on Thursday, August 20, 2026, formally bringing into force the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act in preparation for the 2027 General Election.The gazettement marks a significant milestone in the electoral calendar, effectively placing political parties, prospective candidates and other election stakeholders under the legal framework governing the conduct of the election.Ethekon said the commission was committed to conducting the election in accordance with the law and guided by the principles of independence, accountability, transparency and professionalism.“The foundation of a credible election is a clean, accurate and verifiable register of voters,” Ethekon said, as he outlined the commission's preparations for the election.The IEBC boss said Continuous Voter Registration, which began on September 29, 2025, remains ongoing, allowing eligible Kenyans to register as voters, transfer their registration and update their particulars.He said the commission projects that the 2027 register will contain approximately 28.5 million voters, compared to the 22.1 million registered voters recorded for the 2022 General Election.As of August 20, 2026, the commission said 2,936,516 Kenyans had registered as voters.The IEBC said it is also expanding voter registration for Kenyans living outside the country from 12 to 26 countries, describing the move as part of efforts to advance the constitutional right of eligible citizens in the diaspora to participate in elections.“Through the use of biometric technology for voter registration and voter verification, we are strengthening the integrity of the register of voters by enabling voters to inspect and verify their biometric data ahead of Election Day. The process also facilitates the removal of deceased persons and double registration,” Ethekon noted.“Further, the register of voters will be subjected to a professional independent audit firm that will undertake a forensic audit and certify it for use in the 2027 General Election.”Ethekon said the commission was also engaging government agencies, political parties, the media, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, development partners and members of the public as part of a broader effort to prepare for the election.He said the IEBC was working to strengthen coordination between security and justice-sector agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment, while improving the capacity of election officials and enforcement of electoral laws.The commission, however, stressed that the various dates on the electoral calendar are legally binding and must be adhered to by all stakeholders.“Adherence to the set timelines is non-negotiable. These are not mere guidelines, but legally binding requirements essential to the orderly and credible conduct of the electoral process,” Ethekon said.The IEBC reaffirmed that the next General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, 2027, when Kenyans will elect the President, Members of the National Assembly, Senators, Governors, County Woman Representatives and Members of County Assemblies.The commission also addressed the ongoing legal debate surrounding the constitutional timing of the next General Election.“From the outset, the Commission notes the recent judgment in Dr. Owiso Owiso, Khelef Khalifa and Ashioya Biko v Attorney General & Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Malindi High Court Petition No. HCCHRPET/023/2025, where Hon. Justice Thande considered the constitutional timing of the next General Election. In interpreting Article 136(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Court held that the fifth year following the General Election held on 9th August 2022 commenced on 9th August 2026; consequently, determining that the presidential election was constitutionally due on Tuesday, 11th August 2026,” Ethekon said.“The Court suspended its decision until the next General Election scheduled for 10th August 2027. Accordingly, the matter remains subject to the applicable appellate and constitutional processes and the Commission continues to discharge its mandate and prepare for the 2027 General Election.”He further added: “The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, 10th August 2027. This is the day when Kenyans will go to the polls to elect their leaders.”The electoral commission has also set a series of deadlines for public officers seeking to contest in the election.
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