Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for stronger institutions and greater protection of the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Mudavadi said Kenya should enter the election period with confidence in its institutions and allow the electoral commission to discharge its mandate without interference.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Mudavadi said the country was looking forward to a peaceful election on August 10, 2027.
“On 10th August 2027, we look forward to a safe, peaceful, petition-free and goons-free election,” he told members of the diplomatic community.
The IEBC has formally set August 10, 2027, as the date for the General Election and is implementing an election operations plan covering preparations for the polls.
Mudavadi said strengthening institutions was also critical to addressing longstanding challenges including corruption, tribalism and divisions that undermine national cohesion.
He said Kenya could draw lessons from China’s long-term approach to nation-building while developing governance institutions suited to the country’s own circumstances.
Mudavadi also highlighted the growing Kenya-China relationship, pointing to President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025, when the two countries elevated their relations to an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He said cooperation between Kenya and China now covered areas including infrastructure, manufacturing and value addition, healthcare, tourism, culture and education. The Chinese Embassy confirmed the attendance of Mudavadi and more than 500 other guests at Wednesday’s reception.
On infrastructure, Mudavadi cited plans to dual the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway towards Kisumu and Malaba and proposals to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.
He said the projects would improve regional connectivity and give landlocked countries greater access to the Indian Ocean, while supporting economic activity along the proposed transport corridor.
Mudavadi also highlighted the Kenya-China Early Harvest Agreement, under which Kenyan exports have gained duty-free access to a large share of the Chinese market. The arrangement covers about 98.2 per cent of Chinese tariff lines for Kenyan exports, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said Kenya was ready to begin wider negotiations under the China-Africa Development Economic Partnership Agreement (CADEPA), with the aim of attracting investment and expanding the market for Kenyan products in China.
The Chinese Embassy reception brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, MPs, representatives of international organisations and members of the Chinese community in Kenya.
– By John Murunga
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