Moses Kuria Proposes Dual Tally System as Presidential Results Livestreaming Debate Intensifies

Moses Kuria has entered the heated national debate over presidential results livestreaming, proposing a dual tally system that could reshape how Kenya transmits, verifies and scrutinises presidential election results ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Drawing from his experience at the national tallying centres during the 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections, Kuria argues that Kenya must confront the contentious question of electoral transparency with practical reforms rather than relying on public assurances.

His historical perspective places the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at the centre of renewed calls for an election process that commands public confidence.

At the heart of his proposal is the livestreaming of presidential results as physical Form 34 documents undergo verification at the National Tallying Centre. However, Kuria maintains that broadcasting the verification process alone would not sufficiently address concerns about transparency.

He wants the IEBC to publish a parallel, preliminary national tally as constituency results arrive electronically and the public portal is updated.

Under this arrangement, two tallies would be available for every constituency: an unverified tally derived from electronic results and a verified tally based on physical result forms.

This would give Kenyans and election observers an opportunity to compare the figures, identify discrepancies and demand explanations where necessary.

Kuria further suggests that the 2027 election could provide a practical test of the system. If electronic results consistently match the verified physical records, Kenya could consider conducting the 2032 presidential tally using electronic forms alone, potentially reducing prolonged disputes and contentious scenes at Bomas of Kenya.

His proposal has injected fresh momentum into the electoral accountability debate. Nevertheless, implementation would require appropriate legal provisions, credible verification procedures and safeguards against errors or manipulation.

Ultimately, the central question remains whether Kenya can establish an electoral system that delivers transparent results and strengthens public trust.

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