Saboti MP Caleb Amisi / HANDOUTThe People’s Coalition on Electoral Reforms has demanded that all Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits be fully operational ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement read by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, the group said the kits should have reliable backup power to prevent disruptions during voting and ensure election officials can continue serving voters in case of power failures.
Amisi also called for the kits to have functioning display and transmission systems capable of showing and transmitting voter turnout from every polling station.
“All KIEMS kits must work in 2027 and have full back-up power and display and transmit voter turnout from each polling station,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for all voters to be biometrically identified before casting their ballots.
According to Amisi, strengthening the use of technology during elections would improve transparency and ensure the voting process is properly monitored at polling stations.
KIEMS kits are used by election officials for voter identification and other election-related processes, making their reliability important to the smooth conduct of elections.
Amisi’s remarks come as political leaders and the IEBC focus on preparations for the 2027 General Election.
He urged authorities to address potential technical challenges early enough to avoid disruptions on election day.
The MP said reliable equipment, adequate backup power and effective transmission systems would help build public confidence in the electoral process.
He also stressed that biometric identification should be applied consistently to ensure voters are properly verified before participating in the election.
The IEBC has been undertaking an overhaul of election technology ahead of the 2027 General Election, including plans to replace ageing KIEMS kits and strengthen biometric voter identification and results transmission.
The commission plans to retain about 14,000 kits acquired in 2022 while replacing more than 45,000 older devices, citing concerns including battery degradation, outdated software and expired manufacturer support.
The IEBC has also said it will conduct comprehensive testing of election technology before polling day and identify polling stations with network coverage challenges to minimise transmission problems.
