Kenyan voters could see more reliable internet connectivity at polling stations during the 2027 general election, as the Communications Authority of Kenya moves to address gaps in network coverage.
CA Director General David Mugonyi said the regulator would work to ensure that polling stations have sufficient connectivity for the transmission of election results on August 10, 2027.
“Our role is to ensure the electoral commission has enough connectivity in polling stations,” Mugonyi said during a national election security consultative forum organised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
CA Targets Areas With Weak Network Coverage
Most parts of Kenya already have access to 3G, 4G and 5G networks, Mugonyi said. The regulator’s focus will be on areas where coverage remains weak, particularly in marginalised communities.
“We will just be looking at a few marginalised places where we can improve connectivity,” he said.
The assurance comes as election officials prepare for a process in which mobile networks will play an important role in transmitting results from polling stations.
Connectivity Key to Results Transmission
After votes are counted and recorded at a polling station, the presiding officer uses the Kenya Integrated Election Management System, or KIEMS, kit to capture an image of the completed Form 34A.
The results are then transmitted electronically as part of the system used to relay information to tallying centres and the national results portal.
Reliable connectivity is therefore expected to be important, particularly in locations where network interruptions could delay the electronic transmission of results.
The CA has not indicated which specific polling stations will receive improvements or what additional measures will be deployed in areas with persistent coverage problems.
Regulator Promises Support for Election Stakeholders
Beyond supporting the electoral commission, Mugonyi said the Communications Authority would also assist the media with connectivity during the election period.
The regulator is also expected to support other election-related activities that depend on telecommunications services.
The pledge comes as Kenya prepares for a closely watched national vote. For election officials, connectivity will be one part of a wider system needed to transmit results and keep the public informed.
The CA’s task now is to identify the remaining gaps and ensure that voters and election officials in areas with poor coverage are not left behind when the country goes to the polls.
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