The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) led by Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, who was accompanied by all Commissioners, on Wednesday 14th August, 2025 held a consultative meeting, on areas of mutual interest and collaboration, with Mombasa based civil society groups, community based organisations, special interest groups and social media influencers to enable the Commission deliver its mandate.
The meeting provided a platform for dialogue, feedback and learning between the Commission and these important stakeholders. Ethokon said that the Commission will review the feedback received from the meeting to develop policy, improve strategy and enhance participation in the electoral processes.
The Commission will also leverage on the stakeholders’ expertise and vital feedback to enhance participation of all citizens in the electoral activities throughout the three election phases – pre-election, election and post-election phases within the 5-year election cycle.
“10th August 2027, may seem far — but election preparedness starts now. Let us promote elections that are peaceful, inclusive, and credible.
“To influencers and bloggers: Use your platforms not just for products, but for nation-building….Let’s move from clickbait to truth-bait,” said the Chairperson. “To Gen Z champions: You are not just the future — you are the focus.
“To civil society and media: We see you. We respect your watchdog role. Let’s keep engaging —constructively, boldly, and with purpose,” added Erastus Ethekon.
The Chairperson thanked the stakeholders, describing them as the real heartbeat of public opinion in Kenya. He noted that their presence in today’s meeting spoke volumes. It showed that they care — not just about the next election — but about the future of our country.
“Indeed, your voice matters now more than ever,” he summed up.
The meeting provided a platform for dialogue, feedback and learning between the Commission and public benefiting organizations represented at the grassroot. The Commission will review the feedback received to develop policy, improve strategy and enhance participation in the electoral process. The Commission will also leverage on the stakeholder’s expertise to enhance participation of all citizens in the electoral activities throughout the three election phases – pre-election, election and postelection phases within the 5-year election cycle.
Speaking at the same session, Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, MBS noted that civil society actors, influencers, youth leaders and members of marginalized communities play a vital role in shaping public opinion, driving civic action and holding institutions accountable.
“This meeting provides you the space to speak, share and shape how we move forward together. Use your words to build not to break. The Commission calls on you to support voter registration, voter education and prosperous Kenya. We all work towards that common goal peaceful and credible election and when you criticize us, we take positive criticism to improve Commission’s processes.
“The Commission purpose is to protect Kenyan will to choose right leaders. Our media landscape is changing every day and our youth want news in real time and there is where your role as influencers is critical. You engage and interact with the youth on real time and your words are powerful,” he said.
The Commission will provide framework, but every citizen is responsible to protect this space to have a peaceful election. Have trust in this Commission, they want to have a free and fair, credible election.
Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah noted that the youth hold the largest voting bloc in Kenya and have their representation in the Commission. This demographic fact is a democratic force, because you hold the power to make a decision. Young people have power to significantly influence policy direction, but despite this huge number, youth participation in election remains negligible.
“The youth must engage and inform participation. Youth seek factual and credible information on the electoral processes. Verify information to curb on the spread of fake news and misinformation in this era of technology and innovation. Use social media responsibly. Let us make informed participation in the electoral process,” she said.
Further, the Commission seeks your collaboration to enable us have a peaceful election. Together we can champion inclusive representation, leverage technology positively. Participation in election is a responsibility, remember the story of Kenya democracy is still being written and the youth are the authors of the next chapter. Democracy thrives when its youngest citizen believe it. Let us believe and also live it.