The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed that delays in reviewing electoral boundaries could hinder the 2027 general elections. Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the commission has exceeded the constitutional timeline for boundary reviews, which should have been completed by March 2024. He blamed court disputes over the 2019 census data and the absence of commissioners for over two years.
In his address to the media on January 27, 2026, Ethekon emphasized the importance of boundary reviews to ensure equitable democratic representation, upholding the principle of one person, one vote, one value. He stated, "Despite the steps taken, the process encountered serious constraints that affected the pace and timely completion of the boundaries delimitation exercise. As you are aware, we have already exceeded the constitutional timelines, which require us to undertake the boundary delimitation between eight and 12 years."
The delays stem from ongoing court disputes over the 2019 census data, which cannot be used. Ethekon added, "The delay is due to a combination of factors, including the absence of commissioners for over two years, judicial challenges to the 2019 census data, and ongoing litigation in three counties, exposure to legal risks in boundaries reviews and advisory opinion of the supreme court."
Based on the 2019 census, the commission could identify 27 to 40 constituencies for merger or abolition due to failing the population quota of 164,137 per constituency, with a minimum of 114,889. Affected regions include the Coast, Central, Rift Valley, Eastern, Western, and Nyanza, with constituencies such as Voi, Othaya, and Samburu East at risk.
Ethekon noted that the IEBC has conducted preparatory work since 2019, but warned of further legal risks without resolving disputes. This comes after recent comments by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi suggesting the 2027 election could be nullified and a constitutional referendum held alongside it.
