EDITORIAL: Let Parliament fund and lead boundaries review

The growing standoff between Parliament and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission over electoral boundaries delimitation is not merely a technical dispute—it is a direct threat to the credibility of the 2027 general election.

Article 89 of the constitution is clear: electoral boundaries must be reviewed regularly to reflect population changes and ensure fair representation. That deadline lapsed in March 2024 without action, largely due to political indecision, legal paralysis and the prolonged dysfunction of the IEBC.

Now, with less than two years to the next polls, lawmakers are raising the alarm—rightly so—but far too late.

The danger lies not only in missing timelines, but in the consequences. Conducting elections using outdated and constitutionally questionable boundaries risks disenfranchisement, court challenges and political instability.

The fate of at least 27 constituencies already hangs in the balance, while contested census data further complicates the exercise. These are not abstract concerns; they strike at the heart of electoral justice.

IEBC’s argument that time and money constraints make delimitation impractical is unconvincing. The commission admits it has completed substantial preparatory work.

What is missing is decisive political leadership and adequate funding—both squarely within Parliament’s control.

The Supreme Court has already ruled that only Parliament can unlock this impasse through legislation. Delay, therefore, is a choice, not an inevitability.

Kenya cannot afford another election clouded by legal uncertainty and institutional blame-shifting.

Parliament must urgently resolve the constitutional deadlock, provide resources and legal clarity, and allow IEBC to do its job.

Electoral boundaries are not a favour to politicians; they are a constitutional right of the people. Playing brinkmanship with that right is reckless—and the cost will be borne by the nation.

Quote of the Day:“The friend of the present order of things condemns all political speculations in the gross.” —British economist and demographer Thomas Malthus died on December 23, 1834