The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, OGW, representing the IEBC Chairperson, today presided over the opening session of the Electoral Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP) review workshop, that brings together participants from the National Police Service, Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Judiciary, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The workshop seeks to build a culture of cooperation between the public, police, @IEBCKenya and other institutions in promoting and ensuring security during electoral activities; contribute to credible and objective investigations and prosecutions of election offenders in Kenya; and conduct joint election risk assessment and response during the critical times of the campaigns, elections day and period after the release of the results.
The Vice Chairperson said Article 81 demands that our elections be free from violence and corruption. The Commission plans to train over 200,000 police and IEBC staff on election rules and public order management, strengthened regulations, enhanced coherence of investigations and prosecutions, and integrated early warning and response schemes.
“The campaign period is the most volatile in the election cycle. For 2027 General Election, campaigns shall commence upon registration of a candidate, not earlier than 29th May 2027, and end on 7th August 2027. The Commission will enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct, imposing sanctions including fines, restriction from public media, prohibition from public meetings and restrictions from specified areas,” said the Vice Chairperson.
The Vice Chairperson warned the participants that there is a rising tide of goonism threatening Kenya’s democratic gains. When political actors invade polling stations or rallies with gangs to stop campaigns and intimidate staff, we must act swiftly. “The Commission has demonstrated resolve by sanctioning candidates with significant fines and warning that further breaches will attract disqualification or result cancellation. We will take decisive action against any actor, regardless of political standing,” she said.
Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, EBS, the Chairperson of the Election Security and Electoral Risks Management Committee said the workshop provides an opportunity to review election security progress, identify gaps and strengthen our approach ahead of 2027 General Election. He said that ESAP is not just a plan, it is our shared commitment to safeguarding democracy.
“The success of the 2027 elections depends on our collective effort. The future of our nation depends on it. Recent by-elections taught us that political competition can rapidly escalate into violence. We must conduct thorough risk assessments and deploy proactive security measures. The Commission will not tolerate violence, intimidation or interference. Let us work together to ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair, peaceful and credible,” said Hassan.