National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has pledged that Parliament will expedite the review and passage of all election-related bills to ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fully equipped for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with Mr. Ed Barnett, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the British High Commission, Wetang’ula said the House would not tolerate legislative delays that could undermine the credibility of the upcoming polls.
“Election-related amendments don’t originate from us, but as House leadership, we’ve resolved that within the next two to three months, we’ll be done with them. We cannot be reviewing laws six or seven months to a general election,” the Speaker said.
He noted that restoring public confidence in the IEBC remains a gradual process and urged the new commissioners to prioritize public engagement to rebuild trust ahead of key electoral events.
“The public has high expectations ahead of the upcoming by-elections. The pressure will be immense, but the chairperson and commissioners must remain firm,” he said.
With time and budget constraints making a boundary review before 2027 unlikely, Wetang’ula challenged the IEBC to instead focus on registering millions of unlisted voters.
“By not voting, you lose the moral ground to make demands on elected leaders. Let’s respect the sanctity of building a nation and strengthen credibility in our institutions,” he added.
Barnett revealed that the UK is already supporting the IEBC through its non-state partners, including helping the commission develop a strategic communication plan aimed at enhancing transparency, public trust, and timely dissemination of information.
“We supported the induction of the new commissioners and will continue to channel our limited resources to strengthen their systems,” Barnett said.
The two leaders also discussed governance issues, highlighting the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, as a key test for anti-corruption agencies. Wetang’ula urged the Judiciary to speed up the resolution of corruption cases to preserve public confidence in the justice system.
“The Judiciary must reduce the time it takes to conclude cases. Timelines should be set and respected,” he emphasized.
On bilateral relations, Wetang’ula and Barnett agreed to deepen the UK–Kenya partnership, shifting it from aid-based to trade-driven engagement. The Speaker urged the UK to invest more in Kenya’s private sector, particularly in emerging sectors like mining, following the discovery of rare earth deposits.
“The UK has been a dependable partner since independence. We now want to build a stronger trade partnership anchored on mutual growth,” he said.
Kenya remains the UK’s second-largest export destination in Africa, accounting for 27 percent of fresh produce and 56 percent of black tea sold in the British market.
However, Wetang’ula expressed concern over the UK’s stringent visa regime, which has hindered many Kenyans, including students, from accessing opportunities abroad.
“There are many students who wish to study in the UK, but the visa process is too complex. We should leverage our Commonwealth connection to ease this,” he said.
Barnett acknowledged the concern and promised to work with Kenyan institutions to make the process easier for applicants.
The British diplomat also conveyed condolences to Kenyans following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, commending the government for granting him a dignified farewell.
Wetang’ula described Odinga as a statesman whose legacy of resilience and forgiveness would continue to inspire the nation.
“Raila never carried grudges. After the fiercest political battles, he always put the country first,” Wetang’ula said.
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