Kenya prepares for 2027 elections with court ruling and satellite plans

A Kenyan High Court has restored the livestreaming of election results announced at polling stations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ruling clarifies the procedures for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) regarding results at the polling station and constituency levels. It specifically limits the authority of the IEBC Chairperson, stating they lack the power to alter, recount, or conduct further verification of results once they have been declared by constituency returning officers.

To ensure the transmission of results, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is mapping polling stations that lack 3G or 4G mobile coverage. The regulator is working with mobile operators and the IEBC to identify locations requiring satellite backups. This follows a 2022 model where satellite terminals were deployed at over 1,100 centers. The IEBC plans to publish a list of stations lacking network coverage in July 2027 to inform voters and observers.