A new survey by TIFA Research and Consulting has revealed that nearly half of Kenyans have little to no confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), raising serious concerns about the country’s readiness for the 2027 General Election.
According to the findings, 48% of respondents said they have no confidence at all in the electoral body. In contrast, only 18% said they were “very confident”, while 26% reported being “somewhat confident.” Another 8% were undecided.
The survey noted that despite the appointment of new IEBC commissioners and a new chairperson, Kenyans’ confidence levels in the institution have hardly shifted. “Even with the new IEBC commissioners and Chair now in place, Kenyans’ level of confidence in the integrity of the 2027 election has changed hardly at all,” the report stated.
Interestingly, the results show only slight changes compared to May 2025. At that time, 50% said they had no confidence at all, while 20% expressed strong confidence.
When asked why they lacked trust, 45% of those who were not confident cited political interference and electoral corruption. Another 34% said they did not trust the IEBC at all, including its newly appointed officials. Concerns about electoral violence or insecurity accounted for 13%, while 3% pointed to fears of technology failure during the polls.
The survey was conducted nationally between August 23 and September 3, 2025, with a sample of 2,024 Kenyan adults across all 47 counties. Interviews were carried out mainly in Kiswahili and English, with a margin of error of +/- 2.17%.
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections, the findings highlight the urgent need for the IEBC to restore public confidence and address deep-seated fears about its independence and ability to conduct a credible process.
