Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has assured Kenyans and the diplomatic community that reforms to the country’s electoral commission are on course, promising a fully reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in time for the 2027 General Election.
Addressing ambassadors and foreign envoys during a quarterly diplomatic briefing in Nairobi, Mr Mudavadi acknowledged that while legal challenges loom, the government is pressing ahead with preparations to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“The reconstitution of the IEBC is essential to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections,” Mr Mudavadi said. “While challenges may arise, we are committed to completing this process on time, as required by our Constitution.”
Mr Mudavadi acknowledged that opposition parties and other interest groups may seek to challenge the process in court. However, he urged that such actions not derail the broader reform agenda.
“While it is their right to seek legal redress, we urge stakeholders to allow the IEBC to carry out its mandate without further delays.”
At the heart of the reforms is the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), whose recommendations aim to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and public trust in the electoral process. Mr Mudavadi called on citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of their democracy.
“Public participation is key. These reforms must reflect the will of the people. Only through collective effort can we guarantee the integrity of the 2027 elections.”
Regional Stability and Economic Outlook
Beyond the domestic agenda, Mr Mudavadi turned his attention to regional and international affairs. He condemned the rising violence in Haiti, calling on the international community to step up support.
“The violence in Haiti is deeply troubling. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian people and urge the global community to help restore peace and stability.”
Closer to home, he expressed concern over the growing number of refugees across East and Central Africa, driven by ongoing conflicts in countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These rising numbers are a stark reminder of the cost of instability. We must work together to address the root causes of displacement and support those who flee violence.”
On Sudan, Mr Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s neutral stance in the ongoing peace talks, emphasising that Nairobi is committed to dialogue without taking sides.
“Kenya’s position is one of neutrality. We are focused on supporting peaceful resolutions and will continue to engage all parties constructively.”
Foreign Policy Reimagined
Mr Mudavadi also revealed that the government is finalising a new sessional paper on foreign policy — a strategic blueprint to align Kenya’s global engagement with national priorities. He described the document as a turning point in Kenya’s diplomatic ambitions.
“This is about more than diplomacy. It’s about shaping our external engagements to serve our development goals and to strengthen Kenya’s role as a regional leader.”
Economic Reform and Resilience
Touching on the economy, Mr Mudavadi highlighted the completion of Kenya’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), crediting it with helping to stabilise public debt and reset growth.
“Now our focus is on sustaining recovery — creating jobs, supporting enterprise, and investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing,” he said.
A Call for Unity
Mr Mudavadi closed his address with a call for collective responsibility, urging both citizens and institutions to work in harmony as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
“Our shared commitment to peace, democracy and sustainable development will determine Kenya’s future. We must come together — as a nation and a region — to tackle the challenges before us.”
