The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications have agreed to strengthen collaboration on telecommunications connectivity, media coordination and public communication ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The agreement was reached during a meeting on Tuesday at the Commission’s offices between IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.
Chairperson Ethekon assured Kenyans that the Commission is committed to timely, accurate and verifiable transmission and management of election results in 2027. He emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees the Commission’s independence, delivering credible elections requires collaboration with other institutions.
“The Constitution gives us independence under Article 249, but it does not tell us not to work with other government agencies,” he said. “We are undertaking a national project of such significance that we cannot allow it to falter. It is the responsibility of all of us.”
The Chairperson noted that while voting remains largely manual, the Commission relies on technology and mobile network operators to transmit presidential election results to the public portal, making reliable connectivity essential.
“Can we transmit our results without the network? Absolutely not,” he said.
He proposed joint engagements involving the Commission, the State Department, the Communications Authority and mobile network operators to assess network readiness, address coverage gaps and ensure adequate connectivity across the country.
Ethekon also underscored the importance of proactive media engagement and called for stronger collaboration with media owners, editors and journalists to promote accurate electoral information and build public confidence.
He welcomed the operationalization of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between IEBC and the Media Council of Kenya, proposing structured engagements with media stakeholders, including FM, vernacular and community radio stations.
The Chairperson updated the delegation on the Commission’s preparations, noting that returning officers had been recruited for nearly all 47 counties and 290 constituencies. He said recruitment for key senior positions, including the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Communications, was progressing, while procurement preparations for election technology and ballot papers were on course.
PS Isaboke pledged the Government’s support for the Commission, emphasizing the need for early preparations to ensure uninterrupted telecommunications services during electoral activities.
He said mobile network operators are required under their licences to maintain adequate coverage and quality of service, adding that the State Department, through the Communications Authority, would work with operators to address connectivity challenges, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
“It is part of their licensing requirement. Every returning officer must be able to transmit results without interruption,” he said.
Dennis Chepwkony from the Communications Authority confirmed that preparatory engagements were underway to re-assess network coverage and quality of service in electoral areas including those underserved communities.
“The Authority will work with IEBC and mobile network operators to identify connectivity gaps, undertake network testing and ensure adequate capacity for results transmission”, he said.
On media relations, PS Isaboke emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, noting that press freedom must be accompanied by professional and ethical reporting. He welcomed plans to strengthen engagement with media houses through the Media Council of Kenya and ensure timely access to accurate electoral information.
The meeting also discussed responsible use of digital platforms, measures to address misinformation and hate speech, and collaboration with religious organizations, civil society and other stakeholders to promote peaceful elections.
The two institutions agreed to develop a joint action plan to guide engagement with media owners, editors, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders, with initial activities targeted within the next two weeks.
PS Isaboke was accompanied by Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Temesi Mukani, Secretary for Public Communication Patricia Ondeng’ and representatives of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
The partnership is expected to strengthen institutional coordination, enhance public confidence and support seamless communication and results transmission during the 2027 General Election.
