NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has pledged that Parliament will fast-track all election-related legislation to ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fully equipped ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Ed Barnett, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the British High Commission, Wetang’ula said lawmakers would avoid last-minute amendments that often cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.
“Election-related amendments don’t originate from us, but as House leadership, we’ve resolved that within the next two to three months, we’ll be done with them,” he said. “We cannot be reviewing laws six or seven months to a general election.”
The Speaker noted that restoring public confidence in the IEBC remained an ongoing process and urged the new commissioners to intensify public engagement to build trust ahead of upcoming by-elections.
“The public has high expectations. The pressure will be immense, but the chairperson and commissioners must remain firm,” Wetang’ula said.
He also called on the electoral body to focus on registering millions of unlisted voters after the constitutional boundary review was ruled out due to time and budgetary constraints.
“By not voting, you lose the moral ground to make demands on elected leaders. Let’s strengthen the credibility of our institutions,” he said.
Barnett revealed that the UK government was already supporting the IEBC through capacity-building initiatives, including the development of a strategic communication plan aimed at enhancing transparency and timely dissemination of electoral information.
“We supported the induction of the new commissioners and will continue to channel our limited resources to strengthen their systems,” the envoy said.
The two leaders also discussed governance reforms, with Wetang’ula emphasizing that the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 would be a critical test for anti-corruption agencies.
He urged the Judiciary to speed up the resolution of graft cases, saying delayed justice weakens accountability.
“The Judiciary must reduce the time it takes to conclude cases. Timelines should be set and respected,” he said.
On bilateral ties, the Speaker called for a shift in the UK–Kenya relationship from aid to trade, urging British investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as mining, following recent discoveries of rare earth deposits in Kenya.
“The UK has been a dependable partner since independence. We now want to build a stronger trade partnership anchored on mutual growth,” he said.
Wetang’ula also raised concerns about the UK’s stringent visa regime, which he said had locked out many Kenyans, including students seeking higher education opportunities.
“There are many students who wish to study in the UK, but the visa process is too complex. We should leverage our Commonwealth connection to ease this,” he said.
Barnett acknowledged the challenge and promised to work with Kenyan institutions to help streamline the application process.
The British diplomat also conveyed condolences to Kenyans following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman whose legacy of resilience and forgiveness should guide the country.
Wetang’ula hailed Odinga as a patriot who always put Kenya’s unity above personal interest.
“Raila never carried grudges. After the fiercest political battles, he always put the country first,” the Speaker said.
The meeting took place as the country marked the final day of the official seven-day mourning period for the late Odinga, who was remembered as a freedom fighter and Pan-Africanist.
