The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission says Kenya’s 2027 General Election will still be held on August 10, 2027, despite a High Court ruling that found the date unconstitutional.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission is following the court’s directions, which she said suspended the implementation of the ruling until after the 2027 election.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Sunday, Nderitu said the commission would therefore continue preparations for the election under the existing electoral calendar.
“There were several cases that were filed on the issue of election date. The court has a right to make their judgment and their decision because they interpret the law,” Nderitu said.
She added that the ruling itself provided a basis for IEBC to proceed with preparations for next year’s poll.
“The same judgment suspended the implementation of the same to be done after the 2027 General Elections,” she said. “Meaning that we are in compliance with the judgment and also the law to say that elections is on August 10, 2027.”
Court challenged the election timetable
The dispute centers on how Kenya’s Constitution calculates the president’s five-year term and the date of the following election.
On August 7, the High Court in Malindi ruled that holding the next presidential election on August 10, 2027, would violate the Constitution. The court said the election should instead fall on the second Tuesday of August 2026 under its interpretation of the constitutional timetable.
The ruling also rejected the argument that the Constitution guarantees a president a full five-year term in office.
The decision immediately raised questions about whether the country could be required to hold an election earlier than the date already set by IEBC.
But the commission has maintained that it is bound by the current legal position and will proceed with its preparations for the 2027 elections.
IEBC presses ahead with preparations
IEBC has set Tuesday, August 10, 2027, as the date when Kenyans will elect the president, senators, members of the National Assembly, governors, county women representatives and members of county assemblies.
Political parties are also facing deadlines ahead of the election.
They must submit the names of their authorized representatives to IEBC by October 15, 2026. Their nomination rules are due for certification by October 30 and must be submitted to the commission by November 6.
The court ruling has added a new layer of uncertainty to an election cycle that is already drawing political attention.
IEBC says its position is unchanged: the 2027 General Election remains scheduled for August 10, 2027.
About the Author
