The Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights (JLAHRC) met with election stakeholders to address urgent reforms needed before the 2027 General Elections, with funding shortfalls and legal gaps emerging as critical challenges.

The JLAHRC brought together representatives from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the National Gender and Equality Commission, and civil society groups to chart a reform agenda.

Committee Chairperson Sen. Wakili Hillary Sigei warned against repeating 2022's mistakes when key legislation lapsed due to poor timing. "We cannot afford to make the same mistake as in 2022, where key Bills like the Referendum Bill and the Political Party Primaries Bill lapsed due to poor timing. The window for reform is closing fast," he said.

IEBC Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany, presenting on behalf of CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, revealed the commission faces a KSh 7.2 billion funding shortfall for 2027 elections and KSh 3.7 billion in pending bills. "Without adequate funding, it is impossible to maintain our election technology, train staff, or conduct by-elections," the presentation stated, calling for Parliament to help replace outdated KIEMS kits and operationalize the IEBC Fund.

The National Gender and Equality Commission's Paul Kuria pushed for faster implementation of gender parity measures. "This Committee must fast-track the NADCO proposals and the report of the Multi-Sectoral Working Group on gender parity. Inclusion cannot be negotiable," he said.

Civil society groups under the Uchaguzi Platform demanded new frameworks for digital campaigns and AI use in elections, plus campaign finance transparency reforms.

Sen. Sigei promised action: "Where Bills are before Parliament, we will push for timely passage. Where gaps exist, we shall introduce new legislation."