Bad News for Kenyans as MPs Move to Scrap IEBC Livestreaming of Election Results

Kenyans have been warned against the removal of the legal requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream election results, with concerns growing over transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The warning follows the National Assembly’s passage of the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Thursday, October 22, which seeks to remove the mandatory livestreaming of results as they are announced at polling stations.

The development has sparked debate among Kenyans, with critics arguing that the move could weaken public oversight of the electoral process and raise questions about the credibility of future elections.

In a statement shared on Facebook, a concerned voice argued that citizens deserve to follow election results as they come in rather than wait for figures announced by electoral officials.

The statement warned against secrecy in the management of elections, insisting that transparency remains essential to protecting the will of voters.

“Kenyans deserve to follow election results as they come in. We cannot allow secrecy and opaqueness in our electoral process,” the statement read.

The author further criticised MPs for supporting changes that would remove the legal obligation requiring the IEBC to livestream results from polling stations.

According to the statement, the decision could take the country down a dangerous path by reducing the public’s ability to monitor the announcement of results in real time.

Livestreaming allows voters, journalists, political parties and election observers to witness results as they are announced at polling stations. It also provides an opportunity to compare those figures with results transmitted to tallying centres.

Although the proposed changes remove the mandatory livestreaming requirement, other provisions concerning electronic transmission and publication of election results remain part of the proposed legal framework.

The debate comes as political leaders and institutions prepare for the 2027 General Election, with electoral transparency expected to remain a major issue.

The statement has added to growing concerns over whether the proposed changes will strengthen or weaken public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.

Kenyans are now watching closely as discussions surrounding the amendments continue.

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