The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to train more than 200,000 police officers on electoral processes and their responsibilities in securing the 2027 General Election.

The announcement was made by IEBC Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu, CBS, who represented Commission Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon during the National Police Service (NPS) Inspector General’s Conference on Election Security Preparedness.

The conference brought together Regional, Formation and County Commanders to strengthen security coordination and prepare security agencies for their critical responsibilities in ensuring a safe, secure and peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 polls.

Dr. Nderitu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the National Police Service and other security agencies through the Election Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP), which seeks to enhance institutional cooperation and improve preparedness for the upcoming elections.

She noted that the planned training of more than 200,000 police officers would equip them with knowledge of electoral processes and clarify their roles in maintaining law and order throughout the election period.

The Commissioner emphasised that although IEBC is constitutionally mandated to conduct and supervise elections, ensuring a peaceful electoral environment requires the collective efforts of various institutions and stakeholders.

She identified security agencies, the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), political parties, county administrations, the media, election observers and citizens as key players in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

The engagement comes as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum, with heightened focus on security planning, institutional coordination and measures to prevent electoral-related violence.

IEBC reiterated that the responsibility of delivering peaceful, free, fair and credible elections cannot rest with the electoral commission alone, calling for sustained collaboration, respect for the rule of law and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders.

The Commission maintained that effective cooperation between electoral institutions and security agencies will be critical in building public confidence and creating an environment where Kenyans can exercise their democratic right to vote without fear or intimidation.

The 2027 General Election is expected to test the country's preparedness to uphold democratic principles, electoral integrity and peaceful political competition.