IEBC cites constitutional timelines for delay in electoral boundary review
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, January 27, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said delays in reviewing electoral boundaries ahead of the next General Election have been caused by constitutional timeline constraints, complicating the process. The commission, however, says it will roll out the exercise in a phased manner.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethokon confirmed that the commission is ready to undertake the review, even though the process has been overtaken by constitutional timelines, having initially been scheduled for completion by March 2024.
“IEBC upholds constitutionalism while safeguarding the integrity and preparedness of the electoral process. Boundary delimitation is a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy. IEBC must review electoral boundaries to promote equity and prevent voter dilution,” Ethokon said.
Challenges faced by IEBC
The IEBC has said the timely review of electoral boundaries was hampered by several challenges, some of which have since been resolved while others remain outstanding. Among the key obstacles was a vacancy in the commission, with IEBC operating without commissioners from January 2023 until July 11, 2025, when new commissioners assumed office, according to chairperson Erastus Ethokon.
Another challenge cited was the judicial invalidation of the 2019 census data in parts of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, where ongoing court cases prevented the commission from proceeding with the review. The cases are still before the Supreme Court, a situation the IEBC says makes it impossible to rely on the 2019 census data for boundary delimitation.
The commission further noted that it has faced multiple lawsuits compelling it to conduct boundary reviews, a development that has also slowed the process and affected its ability to fast-track the exercise.
Despite the challenges highlighted by the commission, the IEBC has confirmed that to uphold constitutionalism, the commission has undertaken key activities including the development of a strategy for review, situation analysis, pilot analysis, purchase of required equipment and training of staff.
The delimitation process of the boundaries is a complex activity that requires integrity and preparedness, a process which the IEBC has committed to ensuring that it is followed within the provisions of the constitution and in this case, the boundaries review will be conducted in a phased approach, heeding to the timelines and constitutional requirements.