Kenya High Court: No Mandatory Livestreaming of Election Results

• The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to scrap mandatory livestreaming of election results from polling stations.
• The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is currently before Parliament, with the Senate having considered it.
• The proposed amendment seeks to remove a legal requirement compelling the IEBC to create a mechanism for livestreaming results.
• Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential implications on election results transparency in the 2027 General Election.

The proposed amendment seeks to repeal this requirement, potentially undermining efforts to increase transparency and public participation in the electoral process.

A contentious proposal to eliminate the mandatory livestreaming of election results from polling stations has put the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 under scrutiny. The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is currently before Parliament, with the Senate having considered it. This move seeks to remove a legal requirement that obliges the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to establish a mechanism for livestreaming results as they are announced at polling stations. The Bill's consideration has set the stage for a fresh battle over the transparency of the 2027 General Election.

The Elections Act, which governs electoral processes in Kenya, currently mandates the IEBC to create a mechanism for livestreaming election results. This provision aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The proposed amendment seeks to repeal this requirement, potentially undermining efforts to increase transparency and public participation in the electoral process. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the potential implications of this proposal on the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the IEBC's obligations under the Elections Act. The IEBC Chairperson has, however, dismissed reports that the commission is seeking to end live streaming, stating they have not presented any such proposal to Parliament.

The proposed amendment has significant implications for election results transparency in Kenya. If implemented, it could undermine efforts to increase public participation and accountability in the electoral process. The IEBC's livestreaming of results is a critical component of ensuring transparency and trust in the electoral process. The 2027 General Election will be the first major test of this proposed amendment, making it essential for stakeholders to closely monitor its progress and potential impact on election results transparency.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential implications of this proposed amendment on the transparency of the 2027 General Election, particularly in relation to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) obligations under the Elections Act.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly