Report Dashboard
From Rhetoric to Action: Mid-Cycle Review of the Status of Electoral Reforms in Kenya
This dashboard presents ELOG’s report “From Rhetoric to Action: A Mid-Cycle Review of the Status of Electoral Reforms in Kenya.” The report reviews the status of electoral reform proposals that emerged after Kenya’s 2017 electoral cycle, including recommendations from ELOG, the CSO Technical Working Group on Elections, domestic observers, dialogue initiatives and key electoral stakeholders. The report is grounded in the understanding that timely legal, institutional and policy reforms are essential for credible, peaceful, free, fair, transparent and accountable elections. It examines Kenya’s electoral legal framework from international, regional and national perspectives, then assesses the extent to which post-2017 electoral reform recommendations had been taken up, enacted or implemented. The review finds that although Kenya has made important constitutional, legal and institutional progress since the 2010 Constitution, many critical electoral reforms remained at proposal stage by the time of the mid-cycle review. These include reforms relating to the appointment and audit of IEBC, integration of civil and voter registration, political party dispute resolution, campaign financing, youth and women’s participation, representation of persons with disabilities, media regulation, public participation, electoral violence prevention and the timelines for presidential election petitions. The report highlights that COVID-19 further slowed the work of key duty bearers, including IEBC, ORPP and Parliament. It also notes the need for stronger coordination among reform actors, including civil society, Parliament, IEBC, ORPP, PPDT, political parties and dialogue platforms. Overall, ELOG concludes that Kenya must move from repeated reform rhetoric to concrete implementation. The report calls for comprehensive electoral legal reforms, stronger advocacy, structured stakeholder engagement, implementation of pending bills and regulations, and clear accountability by institutions responsible for safeguarding credible electoral processes.
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Thematic reform areas reviewedThe report reviews seven ELOG-TWG thematic reform areas emerging from the 2017 electoral cycle.
2
Main analytical chaptersThe report is structured around the legal framework and post-2017 reform implementation status.
3
Stakeholder engagement appendicesThe report includes appendices on engagements with IEBC, PPDT, ORPP and duty bearers.
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Core duty-bearer institutions referencedThe report identifies key duty bearers including IEBC, ORPP, Parliament and PPDT.
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Special interest group bills referencedThe report references bills addressing representation of persons with disabilities and special interest groups.
100%
Target national registration ambitionThe report references proposals to integrate civil and voter registration processes to realise 100% national voter registration.
2years
Proposed IEBC appointment lead timeThe report notes recommendations to amend the IEBC Act so that a new Commission is established at least two years before an election.
2,017
Electoral cycle reviewedThe report reviews electoral reforms proposed after the 2017 electoral process.
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Reform Intelligence Tracker
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Stalled reforms
18
Under review reforms
19
In progress reforms
1
Partially done reforms
1
Done reforms
Review election petition burden and dispute-resolution timelines
Progress: 25%
Reform of petition timelines and wider dispute-resolution timelines remains stalled unless advanced through legal or constitutional reform.
Read full update
Reform of petition timelines and wider dispute-resolution timelines remains stalled unless advanced through legal or constitutional reform.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as stalled. Track court, Parliament, IEBC and PPDT reforms on electoral dispute resolution.
Institutionalize independent post-election evaluation of IEBC performance
Progress: 25%
Independent post-election evaluation of IEBC performance remains stalled as a historical accountability reform.
Read full update
Independent post-election evaluation of IEBC performance remains stalled as a historical accountability reform.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as stalled. This should be linked with broader IEBC accountability, audit and lessons-learned reforms.
Strengthen enforcement of electoral offences
Progress: 20%
Electoral offences enforcement remains under review and should be tracked as part of legal reform and election security preparedness.
Read full update
Electoral offences enforcement remains under review and should be tracked as part of legal reform and election security preparedness.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as under review. Track enforcement action, prosecutions, institutional coordination and legal reform.
Strengthen KIEMS testing, transparency and auditability
Progress: 50%
Election technology preparedness is in progress, but testing, procurement transparency, public simulation and backup procedures require close monitoring.
Read full update
Election technology preparedness is in progress, but testing, procurement transparency, public simulation and backup procedures require close monitoring.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as in progress. Track ICT procurement, testing, auditability, backup systems and public communication.
Strengthen results transmission transparency and audit trail
Progress: 20%
Results transmission transparency remains under review as part of broader electoral technology and results management preparedness.
Read full update
Results transmission transparency remains under review as part of broader electoral technology and results management preparedness.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as under review. Track results transmission procedures, audit trail, forms access and stakeholder confidence.
Conduct independent audit and continuous cleaning of the Register of Voters
Progress: 50%
Register reform is in progress through CVR, ECVR and register maintenance, but full audit, cleaning and public assurance remain important ahead of 2027.
Read full update
Register reform is in progress through CVR, ECVR and register maintenance, but full audit, cleaning and public assurance remain important ahead of 2027.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as in progress. Track register inspection, cleaning, audit evidence and public verification opportunities.
Strengthen removal of deceased voters from the register
Progress: 20%
Removal of deceased voters remains under review as part of broader register cleaning and civil registration linkage reforms.
Read full update
Removal of deceased voters remains under review as part of broader register cleaning and civil registration linkage reforms.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as under review. Track IEBC, Civil Registration Services and legal safeguards for deceased voter removal.
Integrate civil registration and voter registration systems
Progress: 25%
Civil-voter registration integration remains stalled as a deeper legal and institutional reform, despite progress in CVR and ECVR operations.
Read full update
Civil-voter registration integration remains stalled as a deeper legal and institutional reform, despite progress in CVR and ECVR operations.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as stalled. CVR and ECVR are active, but full integration with civil registration remains unresolved.
Improve public voter register verification and correction mechanisms
Progress: 50%
Public voter verification remains in progress through registration and inspection processes, but public communication and correction mechanisms should be strengthened.
Read full update
Public voter verification remains in progress through registration and inspection processes, but public communication and correction mechanisms should be strengthened.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as in progress. Track register inspection channels, correction windows and public communication.
Expand diaspora voter registration and voting access
Progress: 20%
Diaspora voter registration remains under review and requires clearer policy, operational planning and public communication before 2027.
Read full update
Diaspora voter registration remains under review and requires clearer policy, operational planning and public communication before 2027.
Evidence note
Dashboard interpretation: mark as under review. Track diaspora policy, eligible countries, registration centres and voter education.
Enhance the capacity of dispute and oversight resolution institutions
Progress: 20%
Capacity enhancement for dispute and oversight bodies remains under review and requires stronger resourcing, legal clarity and institutional coordination.
Read full update
Capacity enhancement for dispute and oversight bodies remains under review and requires stronger resourcing and institutional coordination.
Evidence note
Track PPDT, ORPP, IEBC and Parliament actions on dispute-resolution capacity.
Boost funding for PPDT in particular and devolve its function to the counties.
Progress: 20%
PPDT funding and decentralization remain under review. The reform requires budgetary and institutional follow-through.
Read full update
PPDT funding and decentralization remain under review and require budgetary and institutional follow-through.
Evidence note
Monitor PPDT budget, decentralization and institutional capacity updates.
Enforce political party compliance with membership registers
Progress: 50%
Enforcement of political party compliance requirements is in progress, but continued monitoring is needed to assess effectiveness.
Read full update
Enforcement of political party compliance requirements is in progress, but effectiveness requires continued monitoring.
Evidence note
Track ORPP compliance enforcement and political party reporting obligations.
Conduct independent evaluation of IEBC election management
Progress: 25%
The recommendation for an independent evaluation of IEBC’s past electoral management remains stalled as a historical accountability reform.
Read full update
The recommendation for an independent evaluation of IEBC’s past electoral management remains stalled as a historical accountability reform.
Evidence note
No clear current evidence of a completed independent evaluation linked to this recommendation.
Increase timelines for determining presidential election disputes
Progress: 25%
The proposal to increase petition or electoral dispute timelines remains stalled unless taken forward through legal or constitutional reform.
Read full update
The proposal to increase petition or electoral dispute timelines remains stalled unless advanced through legal or constitutional reform.
Evidence note
No clear evidence of implementation; monitor court, Parliament and electoral reform discussions.
Ensure electoral laws are enacted well before elections
Progress: 20%
The recommendation that electoral laws be settled well before elections remains under review as Parliament continues considering election-related reforms.
Read full update
The recommendation that electoral laws be settled well before elections remains under review as Parliament continues considering election-related reforms.
Evidence note
Parliament and IEBC continue considering electoral law reforms, but timing before 2027 remains important.
Guarantee timely appointment of IEBC commissioners
Progress: 75%
IEBC appointment reform has partially progressed following reconstitution of the Commission, but the broader question of timely appointment and transition safeguards remains relevant.
Read full update
IEBC appointment reform has partially progressed following reconstitution of the Commission, but future appointment safeguards remain relevant.
Evidence note
IEBC Chairperson and six commissioners were sworn in in July 2025; continue tracking legal safeguards for timely future appointments.
Strengthen IEBC consultations, communication and accountability
Progress: 50%
IEBC stakeholder consultation and public communication are in progress, especially as the Commission prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Read full update
IEBC stakeholder consultation and public communication are in progress as the Commission prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Evidence note
Monitor IEBC stakeholder engagement, voter registration communication and public confidence-building.
Strengthen multi-sectoral vetting of nominated candidates
Progress: 50%
Multi-sectoral coordination on electoral preparedness is in progress, especially around technology, security, voter registration and legal reforms.
Read full update
Multi-sectoral coordination on electoral preparedness is in progress, including technology, security, registration and legal reform work.
Evidence note
IEBC has reported legal and operational reform engagements ahead of 2027.
Increase PPDT funding and decentralize dispute-resolution services
Progress: 20%
PPDT funding and functional strengthening remain under review and should be tracked together with dispute-resolution reforms.
Read full update
PPDT funding and functional strengthening remain under review and should be tracked together with dispute-resolution reforms.
Evidence note
Monitor PPDT funding, decentralization and jurisdictional clarity.
Ensure IEBC compliance with electoral laws and timelines
Progress: 50%
Compliance with electoral laws and operational timelines is in progress and should remain a core preparedness indicator ahead of 2027.
Read full update
Compliance with electoral laws and operational timelines is in progress and should remain a core preparedness indicator ahead of 2027.
Evidence note
Track IEBC legal compliance, election timelines and operational preparedness milestones.
Build digital security capacity for human rights defenders
Progress: 50%
Digital safety and protection of human rights defenders is increasingly relevant ahead of 2027 due to rising online political risks and election-related digital threats.
Read full update
Digital safety and protection of human rights defenders is increasingly relevant ahead of 2027 due to rising online political risks and election-related digital threats.
Evidence note
Track HRD digital safety, NCIC, CSO and digital rights preparedness work ahead of 2027.
Review IEBC Selection Panel appointment law
Progress: 50%
The National Dialogue Committee report proposed amendments to Sections of the IEBC Act. The NADCO report proposed to increase the number of persons in the IEBC selection from 7-9 2 members Parliamentary Service Commission 2 members Political parties Liasion Committee 1 member Law Society of Kenya
Read full update
The National Dialogue Committee report proposed amendments to Sections of the IEBC Act. The NADCO report proposed to increase the number of persons in the IEBC selection from 7-9 2 members Parliamentary Service Commission 2 members Political parties Liasion Committee 1 member Law Society of Kenya
Evidence note
The National Dialogue Committee report proposed amendments to Sections of the IEBC Act. The NADCO report proposed to increase the number of persons in the IEBC selection from 7-9 2 members Parliamentary Service Commission 2 members Political parties Liasion Committee 1 member Law Society of Kenya
Clarify replacement procedure before assumption of office
Progress: 25%
The proposal to amend Article 134(2)(b) remains stalled as there is no clear evidence of enacted constitutional reform on replacement of a president-elect before assumption of office.
Read full update
The proposal to amend Article 134(2)(b) remains stalled, with no clear evidence of enacted constitutional reform on replacement of a president-elect before assumption of office.
Evidence note
No visible implementation pathway identified; retain as a stalled constitutional reform issue.
Narrow the legal definition of hate speech
Progress: 20%
Hate speech regulation remains under review. Online political rhetoric and social media-based hate speech remain active electoral risks ahead of 2027.
Read full update
Hate speech regulation remains under review. Online political rhetoric and social media-based hate speech remain active electoral risks ahead of 2027.
Evidence note
NCIC and digital integrity actors continue to flag online hate speech and political rhetoric as election risks.
Promote journalist training on election observation and reporting
Progress: 50%
Journalist capacity-building on election observation and responsible election reporting is in progress as part of wider electoral information integrity work.
Read full update
Journalist capacity-building on election observation and responsible election reporting is in progress as part of wider electoral information integrity work.
Evidence note
Track media training, journalist safety and election reporting capacity initiatives.
Operationalize Article 54(2) on PWD representation
Progress: 20%
PWD representation reforms remain under review, especially around Article 54(2), Article 100 and special interest group representation proposals.
Read full update
PWD representation reforms remain under review, especially around Article 54(2), Article 100 and special interest group representation proposals.
Evidence note
Track Parliament, IEBC, NGEC and disability inclusion actors on representation reforms.
Create a fund to support political party agents
Progress: 20%
Political party funding reform remains under review and should continue to be tracked through ORPP, Parliament and political party law reform processes.
Read full update
Political party funding reform remains under review and should be tracked through ORPP, Parliament and political party law reform processes.
Evidence note
Monitor Political Parties Act reform, ORPP guidance and party funding compliance updates.
Rationalize the timelines and stagger party nominations
Progress: 25%
Party nomination timeline reform appears stalled. Nomination congestion remains a recurring risk unless legal or administrative timelines are rationalized before 2027.
Read full update
Rationalization and staggering of political party nomination timelines appears stalled. Nomination congestion remains a recurring electoral risk.
Evidence note
No clear evidence of a fully implemented nomination timetable reform; keep under review before 2027.
Develop model rules for internal party dispute resolution
Progress: 20%
Internal party dispute-resolution reform remains under review, with continued need for model rules and stronger party-level dispute handling.
Read full update
Internal party dispute-resolution reform remains under review, with continued need for model rules and stronger party-level dispute handling.
Evidence note
Track ORPP, PPDT and political party rules on internal dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Strengthen inclusion of PWDs in political party structures
Progress: 20%
Marginalized group representation within political parties remains under review and requires continued tracking through Political Parties Act reforms and ORPP enforcement.
Read full update
Marginalized group representation within political parties remains under review and requires continued tracking.
Evidence note
Monitor party registration, nomination and inclusion compliance reforms.
Strengthen political party financing disclosure
Progress: 25%
Campaign financing remains a critical unresolved reform ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Read full update
Campaign financing remains unresolved ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle and requires renewed legislative and institutional action.
Evidence note
IEBC and Parliament have continued raising campaign financing as a priority legal gap.
Professionalize political party agents
Progress: 20%
Professionalization of party agents remains under review. Political parties, IEBC and ORPP should continue strengthening agent training and accountability.
Read full update
Professionalization of party agents remains under review. Agent training and accountability remain important for polling station transparency.
Evidence note
Track IEBC, ORPP and political party actions on agent training and deployment standards.
Support political parties to vet candidates under integrity laws
Progress: 50%
Political party support and compliance engagement is in progress through ORPP and wider political party governance processes.
Read full update
Political party support and compliance engagement is in progress through ORPP and wider party governance processes.
Evidence note
Monitor ORPP compliance guidance and party governance reforms.
Strengthen continuous public engagement on election technology
Progress: 50%
Public engagement on election technology is in progress, but stronger continuous communication is still needed to build trust in electoral technology.
Read full update
Public engagement on election technology is in progress, but stronger continuous communication is still needed to build trust in electoral technology.
Evidence note
Track IEBC communication, stakeholder engagement and public education on election technology.
Integrate civic education into school curricula
Progress: 50%
Civic education programming is in progress, particularly through voter registration communication and 2027 preparedness activities.
Read full update
Civic education programming is in progress, particularly through voter registration communication and 2027 preparedness activities.
Evidence note
IEBC has resumed voter registration and conducted ECVR with public communication components.
Use digital edutainment content for civic and voter education
Progress: 50%
Use of technology and digital content for voter education is in progress, especially through online communication, short videos and digital outreach.
Read full update
Use of technology and digital content for voter education is in progress, especially through online communication, short videos and digital outreach.
Evidence note
Digital voter education and online communication should continue to be tracked for reach and accessibility.
Roll out K-NICE at county and sub-county levels
Progress: 20%
K-NICE rollout remains under review and should be monitored as a national civic education coordination mechanism.
Read full update
K-NICE rollout remains under review and should be monitored as a national civic education coordination mechanism.
Evidence note
Requires verification on rollout status, coordination structure and operational ownership.
Strengthen media houses’ role in civic and voter education
Progress: 50%
Media-based civic and voter education is in progress and should be strengthened as part of public-interest election coverage.
Read full update
Media-based civic and voter education is in progress and should be strengthened as part of public-interest election coverage.
Evidence note
Track media houses, IEBC and CSO partnerships on civic and voter education.
Strengthen coordination among civic education providers
Progress: 50%
Synergy among civic education providers is in progress but requires stronger coordination, standard messaging and structured collaboration.
Read full update
Synergy among civic education providers is in progress but requires stronger coordination, standard messaging and structured collaboration.
Evidence note
Track coordination among IEBC, CSOs, faith actors, media and civic education providers.
Provide legal protection for civil society organizations
Progress: 100%
The Public Benefit Organisations Act, 2013 (the Act) officially came into effect on May 14, 2024, as per Legal Notice No. 78 of 2024 (the Legal Notice). This event marks the conclusion of a prolonged journey that started when the Act received presidential assent on January 14, 2013. Despite initial delays in implementing the Act, the High Court issued an order on October 31, 2016, directing the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning to set and announce the Act’s commencement date within fourteen days. Further reinforcing this mandate, the High Court ruled on May 12, 2017, that the Act must commence within thirty days from that date. However, it wasn't until the recent publication of the Legal Notice that the Act was finally enacted. http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actview.xql?actid=No.%2018%20of%202013
Read full update
The Public Benefit Organisations Act, 2013 (the Act) officially came into effect on May 14, 2024, as per Legal Notice No. 78 of 2024 (the Legal Notice). This event marks the conclusion of a prolonged journey that started when the Act received presidential assent on January 14, 2013. Despite initial delays in implementing the Act, the High Court issued an order on October 31, 2016, directing the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning to set and announce the Act’s commencement date within fourteen days. Further reinforcing this mandate, the High Court ruled on May 12, 2017, that the Act must commence within thirty days from that date. However, it wasn't until the recent publication of the Legal Notice that the Act was finally enacted. http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actview.xql?actid=No.%2018%20of%202013
Evidence note
The Public Benefit Organisations Act, 2013 (the Act) officially came into effect on May 14, 2024, as per Legal Notice No. 78 of 2024 (the Legal Notice). This event marks the conclusion of a prolonged journey that started when the Act received presidential assent on January 14, 2013. Despite initial delays in implementing the Act, the High Court issued an order on October 31, 2016, directing the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning to set and announce the Act’s commencement date within fourteen days. Further reinforcing this mandate, the High Court ruled on May 12, 2017, that the Act must commence within thirty days from that date. However, it wasn't until the recent publication of the Legal Notice that the Act was finally enacted. http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actview.xql?actid=No.%2018%20of%202013
Develop a voter registration plan based on audit findings
Progress: 50%
IEBC voter registration planning is in progress following resumption of CVR and the 2026 Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Read full update
IEBC voter registration planning is in progress following resumption of CVR and the 2026 Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Evidence note
IEBC resumed CVR and rolled out ECVR in 2026 across CAWs, institutions, Huduma Centres and constituency offices.
Review diaspora voting policy and time-zone arrangements
Progress: 20%
Diaspora voter registration policy review remains under review and requires clearer implementation planning before 2027.
Read full update
Diaspora voter registration policy review remains under review and requires clearer implementation planning before 2027.
Evidence note
Diaspora registration remains a policy and operational reform area needing further verification.
Review BVR data capture and user-information systems
Progress: 50%
Review of BVR data capture and registration systems is in progress through ongoing registration, open-kit deployment and electoral technology preparedness.
Read full update
Review of BVR data capture and registration systems is in progress through ongoing registration, open-kit deployment and electoral technology preparedness.
Evidence note
IEBC ECVR and voter registration operations provide a basis for continued BVR and registration-system monitoring.
Integrate civil registration and voter registration
Progress: 25%
The proposal to amend the Constitution and Elections Act to integrate civil and voter registration remains stalled as a deeper legal and institutional reform.
Read full update
The proposal to amend the Constitution and Elections Act to integrate civil and voter registration remains stalled as a deeper legal and institutional reform.
Evidence note
CVR and ECVR have progressed, but civil-voter registration integration has not been fully implemented.
Review the electoral system to increase women’s representation
Progress: 20%
Electoral system review for women and special interest group representation remains under review through ongoing constitutional and legislative proposals.
Read full update
Electoral system review for women and special interest group representation remains under review through ongoing constitutional and legislative proposals.
Evidence note
Constitutional amendment proposals on two-thirds gender and special seats indicate movement, but implementation is incomplete.
Clarify prisoner participation regulations
Progress: 25%
Prisoner voting regulations remain stalled. The area requires renewed legal and administrative clarity before future elections.
Read full update
Prisoner voting regulations remain stalled and require renewed legal and administrative clarity before future elections.
Evidence note
No clear evidence of operational regulations or implementation progress identified.
Strengthen IEBC ICT preparedness and data integrity
Progress: 50%
IEBC ICT preparedness is in progress as part of 2027 election planning, but technology testing, public assurance and transparency should remain closely tracked.
Read full update
IEBC ICT preparedness is in progress as part of 2027 election planning, but technology testing, public assurance and transparency should remain closely tracked.
Evidence note
IEBC election preparedness and budget planning include technology and operational readiness considerations.
Consider constitutional reform for staggered elections
Progress: 25%
The proposal to stagger elections remains stalled because it requires substantial constitutional and political reform.
Read full update
The proposal to stagger elections remains stalled because it requires substantial constitutional and political reform.
Evidence note
No clear evidence of implementation; keep as a long-term constitutional reform issue.
Delink IEBC from determining and adjucting disputes from party primaries.
Progress: 20%
Dispute-resolution reform remains under review. The need to clarify the roles of IEBC, ORPP and PPDT remains relevant ahead of 2027.
Read full update
Dispute-resolution reform remains under review. Clarifying the roles of IEBC, ORPP and PPDT remains important ahead of 2027.
Evidence note
Track IEBC, ORPP, PPDT and Parliament updates on political party and electoral dispute-resolution reforms.
What the report found
Kenya remained far from enacting necessary electoral reforms
The report found that key legal, institutional and policy reforms were still pending.
ELOG found that the country was still far from enacting necessary reforms, with key legal, institutional and policy reforms yet to be undertaken. COVID-19 further affected the operations of key duty bearers such as IEBC, ORPP and Parliament.
Concern | Page 6Reform proposals remained largely at proposal stage
Many recommendations had not moved from proposal to implementation.
The report repeatedly notes that several recommendations on election administration, IEBC reform, political parties, inclusion and gender remained at proposal stage. This points to a weak reform implementation culture between election cycles.
Concern | Pages 6-7Electoral jurisprudence strengthened reform momentum
Court decisions helped shape the electoral reform agenda.
The report recognises the role of the Supreme Court and High Court in shaping electoral law, strengthening judicial independence and identifying gaps in electoral administration, results transmission and legal compliance.
Positive | Pages 6, 18IEBC institutional reform remained pending
Recommendations on IEBC appointment, audit and administration had not been fully implemented.
The report notes recommendations to amend the IEBC Act to ensure a new Commission is established at least two years before an election. It also identifies proposals for an independent review or audit of IEBC’s management of the 2017 electoral process.
Concern | Pages 7, 28Voter registration reform required integration with civil registration
The report points to proposals to integrate civil and voter registration processes.
The report notes proposals to integrate civil and voter registration processes as a pathway towards achieving a 100% national voter registration rate.
Watch | Page 7Political party dispute resolution required clarity
Jurisdictional issues between IEBC and PPDT remained unresolved.
The report identifies the need to clarify electoral complaints and dispute resolution processes, especially jurisdictional issues between IEBC and the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
Concern | Page 7Political party funding and campaign financing reforms were incomplete
Some political party funding regulations had progressed, but gaps remained.
The report notes that Political Parties Act regulations were tabled and approved, but also records that Section 18 of the Political Parties Funding Regulations was annulled because it inappropriately delegated legislative powers to the Registrar.
Concern | Page 21PWD representation reforms remained partially advanced but incomplete
Several bills addressed PWD representation, but key proposals remained pending.
The report highlights bills intended to give effect to Article 100 and improve representation of persons with disabilities. However, critical proposals such as an electoral college system for persons with disabilities remained at proposal stage.
Concern | Pages 7, 23Two-thirds gender rule remained unresolved
The report notes continued pressure to realise the two-thirds gender rule.
The report recognises progress through constitutional amendment proposals, but states that practical implementation of the two-thirds gender rule and penalties for non-compliance remained unresolved.
Concern | Page 7Youth participation reforms remained weak
Recommendations on youth inclusion in political parties remained at proposal stage.
The report records recommendations for political parties to support youth candidates, waive nomination fees and disclose youth membership and leadership data. Several of these recommendations had remained at proposal stage.
Watch | Page 28Media and digital communication reforms were emerging
The report identifies concerns around fake news, propaganda and online political communication.
The report notes proposals for legislation to address fake news, inflammatory online statements and propaganda, including amendments to the Kenya Information and Communication Act.
Watch | Page 33Public participation framework needed stronger operationalization
The Public Participation Bill was identified as important for structured citizen engagement.
The report notes that the Public Participation No. 2 Bill, 2019 sought to establish a legal framework, define parameters for public participation and define obligations of state organs and public offices.
Watch | Page 7Recorded administrative incidents
Delayed implementation of post-2017 reforms
Location: National
Key legal, institutional and policy reforms remained pending despite repeated recommendations after the 2017 electoral cycle.
Resolution: The report calls for comprehensive electoral legal reforms, stronger advocacy and coordinated stakeholder action.
Major | Implementation DelayIEBC appointment reform pending
Location: National
Recommendations to amend the IEBC Act so that a new Commission is established at least two years before an election remained at proposal stage.
Resolution: Parliament and electoral stakeholders should prioritise timely IEBC appointment and transition reforms.
Major | IEBC ReformCivil and voter registration not integrated
Location: National
The proposed integration of civil and voter registration processes had not been implemented, limiting the path toward universal voter registration.
Resolution: Relevant agencies should develop a legal and administrative framework for integrated civil and voter registration.
Major | Voter RegistrationIEBC and PPDT jurisdictional clarity unresolved
Location: National
The report identifies unresolved jurisdictional issues between IEBC and PPDT in electoral complaints and political party dispute resolution.
Resolution: Legal reforms should clarify mandates, timelines and institutional jurisdiction for electoral dispute resolution.
Major | Dispute ResolutionPolitical party discipline proposals not implemented
Location: National
Recommendations on constructive resignation and stronger party discipline remained at proposal stage.
Resolution: Political Parties Act reforms and ORPP enforcement mechanisms should be strengthened.
Minor | Political Party GovernancePolitical party funding reforms incomplete
Location: National
The report notes that regulations on political party registration and funding were tabled and approved, but some provisions were annulled and broader financing reforms remained incomplete.
Resolution: Parliament, ORPP and electoral stakeholders should close gaps in political party funding, disclosure and accountability.
Major | Campaign FinancingPWD electoral college proposal stalled
Location: National
The proposed electoral college system for persons with disabilities remained at proposal stage.
Resolution: Parliament and inclusion actors should prioritise legal reforms that give practical effect to Article 100 and Article 54 representation guarantees.
Major | PWD InclusionTwo-thirds gender rule implementation unresolved
Location: National
The report notes continued proposals to realise the two-thirds gender rule but no final practical formula had been implemented.
Resolution: Parliament should adopt and implement a workable legal framework for the two-thirds gender principle.
Major | Gender EqualityYouth affirmative action proposals remained pending
Location: National
Proposals for youth nomination fee waivers, youth candidate support and youth disclosure requirements by political parties remained at proposal stage.
Resolution: Political party laws and party constitutions should be amended to strengthen youth participation.
Minor | Youth InclusionFake news and online propaganda regulation incomplete
Location: National
The report notes concerns over fake news, inflammatory online statements and propaganda, and identifies proposed legal reforms on social media and bloggers.
Resolution: Digital communication reforms should protect freedom of expression while addressing disinformation and electoral harm.
Major | Media MonitoringPriority actions
Priority actions proposed for ELOG / IEBC / Parliament / ORPP / PPDT and future electoral processes.
Undertake comprehensive electoral legal reforms
Electoral stakeholders should lobby and advocate for comprehensive electoral legal reforms to ensure that critical post-2017 recommendations are enacted and implemented before the next electoral cycle.
Target: Parliament, IEBC, CSOs, Political Parties and Dialogue Initiatives
High priority | Page 7 / RecommendationsPrioritise timely IEBC appointment reforms
The IEBC Act should be reviewed to ensure that a new Commission is established early enough before an election, with adequate time for institutional preparation and public confidence building.
Target: Parliament and IEBC Selection Panel
High priority | Page 7Integrate civil and voter registration
Relevant institutions should develop legal and administrative mechanisms to integrate civil registration and voter registration processes as a pathway toward universal voter registration.
Target: IEBC, Parliament, Civil Registration Services and NRB
High priority | Page 7Clarify IEBC and PPDT dispute-resolution mandates
Electoral laws should clarify electoral complaints and political party dispute resolution processes, including jurisdictional boundaries between IEBC and PPDT.
Target: Parliament, IEBC, PPDT and ORPP
High priority | Page 7Strengthen political party internal democracy
Political parties should review nomination rules, coalition agreements, merger provisions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms to strengthen internal democracy and electoral accountability.
Target: Political Parties, ORPP and Parliament
High priority | Page 21Strengthen political party funding and disclosure
Political party funding regulations should be strengthened to improve record keeping, audits, disclosure of expenditures and disclosure of contributions.
Target: ORPP, Parliament and Political Parties
High priority | Page 21Operationalize representation of special interest groups
Parliament should prioritise laws giving effect to Article 100 of the Constitution and ensure that special interest groups, including PWDs and youth, are meaningfully represented.
Target: Parliament, IEBC and Inclusion Stakeholders
High priority | Pages 7, 23Implement practical two-thirds gender rule formula
Parliament should adopt a practical formula for implementing the two-thirds gender rule and introduce enforceable consequences for non-compliance.
Target: Parliament, Political Parties and IEBC
High priority | Page 7Improve accessibility of voter education and electoral materials
IEBC should ensure that voter education programmes, polling station information and electoral materials are accessible to persons with disabilities and other special interest groups.
Target: IEBC
High priority | Page 23Strengthen youth participation reforms
Political party laws and party constitutions should support youth participation through nomination fee waivers, youth candidate support and disclosure of youth membership and leadership data.
Target: Political Parties, ORPP and Parliament
Medium priority | Page 28Review media and digital communication laws
Electoral stakeholders should develop balanced reforms to address fake news, inflammatory online speech and propaganda while protecting freedom of expression and media freedom.
Target: Parliament, CAK, Media Stakeholders and CSOs
Medium priority | Page 33Strengthen public participation framework
Public participation laws should clearly define obligations of state organs and public offices, including IEBC’s role in voter education and stakeholder engagement.
Target: Parliament, IEBC and Public Institutions
Medium priority | Page 7