IEBC outlines role in two-thirds gender rule ahead of 2027

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has detailed its responsibilities in upholding the constitutional rule mandating a maximum two-thirds gender representation for the 2027 General Election. Commissioner Ann Nderitu, speaking at a high-level policy dialogue on October 2, 2026, emphasized IEBC's role in allotting gender top-up seats within County Assemblies and its initiatives to encourage voter engagement among women, youth, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

The Commission aims to ensure adherence to electoral frameworks through its work on political party nominations, party lists, and the implementation of its Gender and Social Inclusion Policy, which addresses the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

The meeting, attended by Members of Parliament, state institutions, constitutional bodies, political entities, electoral organizations, and development partners, focused on upcoming legislative proposals and mechanisms to enforce the two-thirds gender principle during the 2027 elections and beyond. This comes amid ongoing debates on the application of the rule across various political tiers and increased efforts to boost the involvement of women and youth in the electoral process.

IEBC has partnered with UN Women Kenya and the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association to promote gender-responsive electoral management, engaging diverse groups throughout the electoral cycle.

Proposed measures include establishing a youth advisory board to enhance engagement with young voters, a strategy that was also utilized in the initial phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration through campaigns like #TukoKadi, aimed at encouraging voter card acquisition among the youth. Discussions also centered on retaining women candidates who lose elections to prevent them from exiting politics after a single setback.

Gender-based violence and intimidation have been identified as significant obstacles to women's political participation, requiring robust prevention and response strategies. The dialogue, organized by the National Gender and Equality Commission with support from UN Women Kenya, is part of broader efforts to ensure that all stakeholders explore legislative and administrative measures to support the implementation of the two-thirds gender principle before the 2027 General Election.