Half of Kenyans Doubt 2027 Election Integrity – TIFA Poll Reveals Alarming Trends
Half of Kenyans Doubt 2027 Election Integrity – TIFA Poll Reveals Alarming Trends
Nairobi, Kenya — May 7, 2025
Story by Stella Ranji
Half of Kenyans Doubt 2027 Election Integrity – TIFA Poll Reveals Alarming Trends A new national survey by TIFA exposes deep public concern over Kenya’s electoral future. The report, “Elections Past and Forthcoming: Integrity Issues and the IEBC”, reveals: 🔹 50% of Kenyans have no confidence at all in the integrity of the 2027 elections 🔹 69% question the validity of the last three presidential election outcomes 🔹 55% have no confidence in the ongoing IEBC vetting process 🔹 Only 8% of Kenyans are aware the IEBC has already missed a key constitutional deadline 🔹 Anne Amadi leads public preference for IEBC Chair — but most Kenyans still don’t know the final shortlist This first 2025 release offers critical insights into how past election perceptions are shaping future expectations — and what that means for democracy in Kenya.
A recent national survey by TIFA Research has unveiled a troubling landscape of public skepticism regarding the upcoming 2027 general elections in Kenya. The report, titled “Elections Past and Forthcoming: Integrity Issues and the IEBC,” highlights significant concerns about the electoral process, the performance of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the broader democratic health of the nation.
Key Findings from the TIFA Poll
• Widespread Distrust in Electoral Integrity: A staggering 50% of Kenyans express no confidence whatsoever in the integrity of the 2027 elections. This sentiment reflects a deep-rooted apprehension about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
• Doubts Over Previous Elections: An overwhelming 69% of respondents question the validity of the outcomes of the last three presidential elections, suggesting a pervasive belief that past elections may not have accurately reflected the will of the people.
• Lack of Confidence in IEBC Vetting Process: More than half of the population (55%) have no faith in the ongoing IEBC vetting process, raising concerns about the commission's ability to ensure a credible and impartial election.
• Awareness Deficit on Constitutional Deadlines: Alarmingly, only 8% of Kenyans are aware that the IEBC has already missed a key constitutional deadline, indicating a significant gap in public knowledge about the electoral timeline and processes.
• Public Perception of IEBC Leadership: While former Chief Justice Anne Amadi leads in public preference for the position of IEBC Chair, a majority of Kenyans remain unaware of the final shortlist of candidates, highlighting a communication gap between the electoral body and the public.
Implications for Kenya's Democracy
The findings of this survey underscore a critical juncture for Kenya's democratic institutions. The widespread lack of confidence in the IEBC and the electoral process poses a significant challenge to the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. Addressing these concerns will require comprehensive reforms, enhanced transparency, and proactive civic engagement to restore public trust and ensure that the 2027 elections are perceived as free, fair, and credible.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, the need for urgent reforms and transparent communication from the IEBC has never been more pressing. The TIFA poll serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead to rebuild public trust and safeguard the democratic process.