NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is warning that Kenya’s long-overdue electoral boundary review could ignite fresh community, religious and class-based tensions, citing the high stakes linked to redefining constituency lines.
In a report submitted to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), the commission said the process is prone to conflict due to competing political and demographic interests.
“The Commission hosted a three-day workshop to develop a Boundaries Security Arrangement Plan (BSAP)… and formed a Technical Committee to drive and oversee its implementation,” the report states, noting that security concerns remain “significant.”
Preparations Underway Despite Grim Outlook
Even as it flags the risks, the IEBC maintains it has made notable strides ahead of the next delimitation exercise. The commission has:
- Drafted a Delimitation Concept Paper
- Prepared a Boundaries Review Operation Plan (BROP)
- Conducted a situational analysis and pilot study
- Collected and digitised geospatial data on administrative units
- Acquired essential mapping and review equipment
A dedicated Project and Technical Delimitation Team has also been appointed to coordinate the review, supported by training on new technologies.
The commission has developed multiple digital platforms, including a Boundaries Hub with FAQs, boundary evolution story maps, an online memoranda portal and a dashboard for public submissions.
A map-standardisation manual for cartographers is also in place.
IEBC Says 2027 Deadline Impossible
The warnings come amid concerns that the boundary review will not be completed before the 2027 General Election.
Despite constitutional timelines requiring the process to occur every eight to 12 years, the window has already elapsed.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon reiterated that the commission needs “two to three years” to conduct a credible review.
“There is a whole process required to comply with the requirements of holding the review. Looking at the timelines, we might not meet the threshold,” he said.
He added that the commission would meet in plenary within two weeks to chart the next steps.
The last boundary review was concluded in February 2012 by the Andrew Ligale-led Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission, which established the current 290 constituencies.
Article 89 of the Constitution requires periodic reviews to ensure equitable representation and fair resource allocation.
The process has historically triggered political wrangles, especially over whether to prioritise population numbers or geographic landmass.
IEBC Calls Stakeholder Forum After Contentious By-Elections
Separately, the commission has invited political parties, independent candidates, civil society groups, observers and state agencies to a post-election forum on Monday, December 8, in Nairobi to review the November 27 by-elections.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally invite you to attend this important meeting,” reads the invitation signed by CEO Hussein Marjan Hussein.
The half-day session will evaluate the conduct of the polls, gather stakeholder feedback and outline improvements for future electoral processes.
IEBC Chairperson Ethekon has condemned reports of violence and intimidation in Kasipul, Malava and Nyamira wards, saying the commission is working with security agencies to identify perpetrators.
The post-election review comes after civil society organisations—including KHRC, Transparency International-Kenya, IMLU and Siasa Place—raised concerns over irregularities and threatened legal action.
While ELOG reported largely smooth polling-day operations, it cited political interference, voter inducement and security lapses.
“The post-mortem meeting represents the first formal stakeholder engagement following the November 27 polls, offering a platform to reflect, learn and reinforce the principles of free, fair and peaceful elections,” the IEBC said.
