The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has held a crucial bilateral meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess areas of potential collaboration for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement released on Saturday, April 12, 2025, via the Commission’s X account, IEBC outlined the details of the high-level consultations, revealing that it has begun early preparations for the upcoming elections.
The bilateral meeting, led by Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan Marjan, provided updates on IEBC’s operational readiness and expressed gratitude for the support received from UNDP during the 2022 electoral cycle.
“Mr Marjan expressed appreciation for UNDP’s Basket Fund continued support, especially in the pre-, during, and post-election phases of the 2022 General Election,” the statement reads in part.
During the discussions, Marjan highlighted the significance of the meeting’s timing, especially as the commission is in the process of recruiting a new chairperson and commissioners, following the conclusion of former Chair Wafula Chebukati’s term after the 2022 elections.
“Marjan commended the timeliness of today’s visit, given the proximity to the 2027 General Election, and shared updates on the ongoing recruitment of the Chairperson and members of the commission. He noted that the reconstitution of the commission is expected in the coming months, making UNDP’s engagement particularly timely and instrumental,” the statement further reads.
Fact-finding mission
On her part, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Madelena Monoja described the consultation as a fact-finding mission aimed at identifying priority areas where the UN agency could provide early support.
She explained that the assessment is part of a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) that typically precedes any UNDP support to institutions in sovereign states.
This mission establishes priority areas before an agreement is signed between the Commission, relevant government agencies, and UNDP.
“Upon establishing priority areas, the Commission or any other government agencies like the Treasury and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and UNDP sign a tripartite agreement to guide its implementation,” IEBC explained in its statement.
Potential support areas
The meeting identified several potential support areas, including immediate assistance with the induction of the incoming IEBC Chairperson and commissioners once appointed, conducting a comprehensive needs assessment when the commission is fully constituted, and providing ongoing capacity building through participation in regional and global electoral conferences.
“UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Madelena Monoja welcomed the timing of the engagement, which coincides with the recruitment of the Chairperson and members of the Commission,” the statement noted.