Religious leaders, state agencies and civil society actors have called for sustained inclusive dialogue and practical action to safeguard Kenya's democratic path as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The call was made during the two day National Stakeholders Convention on "Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections" held at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, from 2nd to 3rd September 2026.
The convention convened under the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum, brought together the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), alongside representatives from government, civil society, the private sector and professional groups.
According to the organizers, the forum sought to assess the readiness of constitutional bodies with electoral and security mandates, identify key risks that could undermine a democratic and peaceful electoral process, and develop joint mitigation measures.
The convention also provided a platform for stakeholders to formulate strategies and commitments aimed at protecting the integrity of democratic outcomes before, during and after the 2027 electoral cycle.
Stakeholder engagement has increasingly become a key approach in Kenya's policy formulation, with recent consultations focusing on strengthening public institutions, improving service delivery and ensuring that policy decisions are informed by evidence and citizens' experiences.
Participants at the Ufungamano meeting stressed the need to move beyond discussions to concrete action, noting that leaders must listen to citizens and ensure agreed recommendations translate into measurable outcomes.
Representing the IEBC Chairperson, Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana outlined the Commission's state of preparedness and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible, transparent and peaceful 2027 General Election.
Dr. Mukhwana called on the religious community and all stakeholders to play their respective roles, hold the Commission accountable and embrace dialogue as a means of "charting the country's peaceful path to 2027."
His remarks come at a time when public scrutiny of electoral institutions is rising, with calls for early preparations, transparency and public confidence-building ahead of the polls.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) participated through a delegation led by Secretary General Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, accompanied by Head of Religious Affairs Sheikh Yusuf Maki.
In a statement SUPKEM said its participation underscores its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, national cohesion, responsible civic participation and credible electoral processes.
"The Council continues to advocate for an electoral environment where all Kenyans can exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and freely, while ensuring that faith communities contribute constructively to the protection of peace, justice and national unity," SUPKEM said.
SUPKEM added that through engagement with fellow religious institutions and other national stakeholders, it remains committed to supporting efforts that promote democratic, credible and peaceful elections.
The stakeholders noted that the national conversation comes at a critical period in Kenya's democratic journey, making dialogue, peaceful engagement and respect for democratic institutions increasingly important.
In a joint call the forum urged continued consultations that bring together diverse voices and create space for constructive engagement on the country's social, economic and governance priorities.
The convention is expected to issue a joint statement outlining key resolutions and commitments by stakeholders towards a peaceful 2027 election.
