Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu has passionately encouraged political parties to prioritize the inclusion of women, young people, and persons with disabilities in the candidate lists for the 2027 General Election. She emphasized that creating inclusive candidate lists is vital for ensuring broader representation on the ballot.
During a local television interview on the evening of August 23, 2026, Nderitu highlighted the commission’s expectation that political parties will adhere to the two-thirds gender principle when submitting their candidate lists, in line with legal guidance established for the 2022 General Election.
“In the previous general election, the court mandated that candidate lists from political parties must meet the two-thirds requirement for either gender. We expect this principle to be upheld again,” Nderitu stated.
She further explained that amendments have been proposed to Parliament to enhance the enforcement of this requirement and clarify its provisions.
Advancing Women’s Representation
Nderitu called on political parties to take intentional actions to increase the representation of women in elective positions. She pointed out that women constitute over half of Kenya’s population, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership roles.
“We cannot conduct an election that neglects the representation of such a substantial portion of our population,” she asserted.
The IEBC Commissioner urged political parties to proactively support greater representation, rather than waiting for legislative mandates.
This initiative could significantly influence party nomination lists as political groups prepare for the 2027 elections.
Inclusion of Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Nderitu stressed that inclusion must extend beyond gender, encouraging parties to consider young people and persons with disabilities when selecting candidates. She noted that over 70 percent of Kenya’s population is under 35 years old, highlighting young people as a vital constituency in the electoral landscape.
She also advocated for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, affirming their capability to lead at various levels, from county assemblies to the presidency.
“Strive to make your candidate lists as inclusive as possible on your own initiative,” Nderitu urged.
IEBC’s Preparations for the Nomination Phase
Nderitu provided a clear outline of the key timelines in the 2027 electoral process. She indicated that political parties will need to submit their lists of aspirants ahead of the primaries, followed by the gazetting of candidates before they proceed to the IEBC nomination stage.
According to the timeline she presented, candidates must submit their names and symbols by May 8, with the IEBC nomination exercise scheduled to run from May 29 to June 11. During this process, candidates will meet with returning officers, while presidential candidates will present themselves to the commission.
The Challenge Ahead
The push for inclusive candidate lists raises an important question for political parties: will this representation lead to genuine electoral opportunities? Simply fielding women, youth, and persons with disabilities in constituencies where their chances of winning are slim will do little to transform Kenya’s political landscape.
The 2027 election will serve as a critical test of whether parties can move beyond mere numerical inclusion, providing marginalized groups with real pathways to political leadership.
