Kenya Election Bill Sparks Battle Over Livestreaming of Results

A contentious amendment to Kenya's election laws is poised to ignite a fierce debate over electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has already cleared the Senate and awaits consideration by the National Assembly, proposes the deletion of Section 39 of the Elections Act.

This specific section legally obligates the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to establish a system for the real-time livestreaming of election results directly from polling stations. The proposed amendment seeks to remove this mandatory requirement, raising concerns among transparency advocates and potentially setting the stage for a significant battle over the integrity of the electoral process.

The bill's progression has thrust it into the spotlight, highlighting a potential rollback of measures designed to ensure openness in vote tabulation. Critics argue that removing the livestreaming mandate could undermine public trust and create opportunities for manipulation, particularly in a country with a history of electoral disputes. The outcome of the National Assembly's consideration will be crucial in determining the future transparency of Kenya's elections.