Kenya MPs Approve Bill to Remove IEBC’s Livestreaming Requirement for Election Results
enya’s National Assembly has passed the Elections Amendment Bill 2024, removing the legal requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream election results from polling stations. The decision has sparked renewed debate about electoral transparency and how the country’s 2027 General Election will be monitored.
The bill was approved by MPs on Thursday, October 22, following its earlier passage in the Senate before being forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration. Members debated the proposed changes after a parliamentary committee presented its report, paving the way for voting on amendments during the Committee of the Whole House stage.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei defended the removal of the livestreaming requirement, arguing that election disputes could still be addressed through the courts. She maintained that judges could order a recount of ballots where questions arose over the accuracy or validity of election results.
The amendment has drawn attention to the safeguards that will govern the transmission and verification of results in future elections. Livestreaming polling station results has been viewed as one way of allowing the public to follow the electoral process and scrutinise the figures announced at individual polling stations.
With the next General Election scheduled for 2027, the changes are likely to fuel further discussions among political leaders, election observers and members of the public about accountability, transparency and confidence in the electoral system.
Beyond the livestreaming provision, the Elections Amendment Bill 2024 also contains clauses addressing the recall of Members of Parliament convicted of offences. These provisions introduce another important aspect of the proposed changes to Kenya’s electoral framework.
The passage of the bill marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing debate over election administration and accountability. However, the ultimate implications for the 2027 elections will depend on the final legislative process, the applicable legal provisions and how the IEBC implements the rules governing the management and announcement of results.
