Wetang’ula Sets 3-Month Deadline for Passing Crucial Election Bills
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced that Parliament plans to pass at least three important election-related bills within the next three months.
Speaking during a meeting with Ed Barnett, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the British High Commission, Wetang’ula said the House leadership had set a strict timeline to fast-track all pending electoral laws.
The move aims to ensure that Kenya is well-prepared for the 2027 General Election without the usual last-minute rush to pass key legislation.
“Most election-related amendments don’t originate from Parliament, but as House leaders, we have agreed that within the next two to three months, we will finalize them,” Wetang’ula stated.
The Speaker noted that Parliament was under growing pressure to avoid the mistakes of previous years, where crucial election laws were passed only a few months before the polls, creating confusion and logistical challenges.
He emphasized the importance of passing the bills early enough to allow proper implementation and public understanding ahead of the next election.
Wetang’ula also addressed the ongoing concerns about public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He urged the newly reconstituted commission to increase public engagement and transparency to rebuild citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
According to him, one of the main priorities for the IEBC should be a massive voter registration campaign to ensure that more Kenyans are listed to vote in 2027.
However, he made it clear that a constitutional boundary review would not take place, given that the election is now less than two years away, making it practically impossible to complete such a process within the constitutional timelines.
Among the major bills to be fast-tracked is the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024 (Senate Bill No. 29 of 2024), which proposes several key reforms to the Elections Act of 2011.
The bill seeks to improve electoral processes, including allowing the public to inspect the voter register and enhancing procedures for by-election voter registration.
Another critical piece of legislation awaiting passage is the Elections Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to strengthen the existing Elections Offences Act of 2016.
The proposed amendments will widen the scope of electoral offences and introduce tougher penalties for election-related misconduct, particularly targeting officials who violate election laws.
Additionally, the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to make changes to the Political Parties Act to ensure better regulation of party operations.
The bill also proposes extending public funding to candidates who choose to run as independents, ensuring a fairer and more inclusive political environment.
On the international front, British envoy Ed Barnett confirmed that the United Kingdom, through its non-state partners, is supporting the IEBC in several ways.
This includes helping the commission develop a strategic communication plan aimed at improving public trust and ensuring timely, transparent communication with Kenyans.
“We supported the induction of the new commissioners and will continue working with IEBC to strengthen their systems, even though our resources are limited,” Barnett stated.
Wetang’ula’s firm stance on the three-month deadline reflects Parliament’s renewed commitment to ensuring a smoother and more transparent electoral process ahead of 2027.
By addressing legislative delays and improving voter confidence, the Speaker hopes to avoid the challenges that have historically affected Kenya’s elections.
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