The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has held a key consultative meeting with political parties to strengthen collaboration ahead of upcoming by-elections and the launch of Continuous Voter Registration.

The meeting, held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Nairobi, brought together the IEBC leadership, the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC), and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. According to the Commission, the engagement was aimed at building stronger partnerships and fostering transparency in election preparedness.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission was committed to working closely with political stakeholders to safeguard the credibility of elections.

“We come together not as separate entities but as partners united by a common responsibility to protect the will of the Kenyan people through credible, peaceful and inclusive elections,” Ethekon said.

He added that since assuming office, the Commission had been on a learning journey through stakeholder engagement.

“We began by meeting the Steering Committee of the PPLC, recognising that every political party, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in fostering public trust in the electoral process. Hence, today’s plenary meeting is of great importance,” he noted.

Commissioner MaryKaren Sorobit, who chairs the Legal Compliance and Political Liaison Committee, welcomed representatives from political parties and stressed the value of collaboration.

“Your presence emphasises the importance of partnership in safeguarding the credibility and integrity of our elections,” she said.

MaryKaren further underlined that the meeting was not just about preparations for the upcoming polls but also about laying a foundation for long-term cooperation between political parties and the Commission. “The meeting aims to establish a framework for a sustained partnership,” she added.

PPLC Chairperson Evans Misati echoed this, noting that dialogue and consensus-building are critical as Kenya approaches crucial electoral activities. He pointed out that the committee plays an essential role in promoting political tolerance and inclusivity.

Registrar of Political Parties, Sophia Sitati, also called on parties and institutions to embrace continuous collaboration. She said joint efforts would be vital in strengthening democracy through transparent processes and inclusivity.

“As we look to the future, the voices of political parties are vital in shaping the quality and credibility of our elections. May you act as ambassadors of the Commission, promoting transparency, integrity, and peaceful democratic participation within your parties and the broader public,” Sitati said.