National Assembly Speaker , Moses Wetang’ula has assured that parliament will expedite the review and passage of all election-related laws well in advance of the 2027 General Election.

This, he said, will ensure that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is well prepared to conduct free, fair and credible polls.

Wetang’ula Warns Against Last Minute Legislative Rush Before Polls

In a speech at a meeting with Mr. Ed Barnett, the Charge d’Affairs ad interim in the British High Commission On October 22 ,Wetang’ula emphasized the Parliament’s commitment to avoiding legislative delays that could undermine electoral integrity.

“Election-related amendments, don’t originate from us ,but as House Leadership , we have resolved that within the next two to three months, we’ll be done with them. We cannot be reviewing laws, six or seven months to a general election,” he said

The Speaker acknowledged that rebuilding public trust in the IEBC remains an ongoing process.

He urged the commission to strengthen public engagement and transparency as part of efforts to restore confidence ahead of upcoming by-elections.

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With the constitutional boundary review process now limited by time and budget, Speaker Wetang’ula urged the IEBC to prioritize voter registration, especially among millions of unlisted citizens.

“By not voting,you lose the moral ground to make demands on elected leaders. Let’s respect the sanctity the of nation-building and strengthen credibility in our institutions, “he said.

UK Pledges Continued Support

Mr. Barnett commended the IEBC’s reform progress and assured that UK government, through non-state partners ,is supporting capacity-building initiatives, such as strategic communication programs, aimed at enhancing transparency and voter education.

” We supported the induction of the new commissioners, and will continue to channel our limited resources to strengthen their systems,”the envoy said

In terms of governance issues, both leaders agreed that the implementation of the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, will be a key test for Kenya’s anti-corruption framework. Dr.

Wetang’ula called upon the Judiciary to speed up the handling of corruption cases, warning that justice delayed undermines accountability.

“The Judiciary must reduce the time it takes to conclude cases. Timelines should be set and respected,”he emphasized

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Their discussion also focused on the improvement of bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Kenya.

The Speaker requested that there should be a transition between an aid-driven relationship into a trade and investment relationship and collaborations between the private sector, especially mining, where Kenya has recently discovered rare earth deposits.

“The UK has been is a reliable partner since independence. We now want to build a stronger trade partnership based on mutual growth,”Dr. Wetang’ula said.

Despite him praising the contribution of the UK as the second-largest exporter of fresh produce and black tea in Africa (27 percent of the fresh produce and 56 percent of the black tea sold in the British market), the Speaker expressed concern over the UK’s strict Visa policies.

He noted that most Kenyan students and professionals face difficulties accessing educational and employment opportunities abroad.

“There are many students who wish to study in the UK, but the visa process is too complex. We should leverage our Commonwealth connection to ease this,”he said.

Mr. Barnett acknowledged the challenge and promised to work with Kenyan institutions to help applicants navigate the Visa process more effectively.

The meeting also took a moment of reflection as the British diplomat conveyed condolences following the passing on of former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, praising the government for granting him a dignified farewell.

Wetang’ula Mourns Raila Odinga

Speaker Wetang’ula honored the memory of late Odinga, describing him as a visionary statesman whose resiliency, forgiveness, and patriotism should guide future generations.

“Raila never carried grudges. After the fiercest political battles,He always put the country first,” the speaker remarked.

The visit came as the nation marked the final day of the official seven -day mourning period for the late Odinga, a revered freedom fighter and Pan-Africanist.

Speaker Wetang’ula chairing a meeting with an envoy consisting of Mr Ed Barnett,the charge d’ Affairs ad interim British High Commission
Image/Parliament/File