The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) led by the Chairperson Hon. George Murugara (Tharaka), held a two-day workshop organized by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), to deliberate on the way forward in the finalization of comprehensive electoral reforms in Kenya.
The workshop was expected to review key electoral legislations and develop a road map and timelines for completion of the electoral reforms, and explore the possibility of multi-sectoral participation in the reforms agenda to enhance inclusivity.

While addressing the forum, the Executive Director of ELGIA Mr. Felix Odhiambo called for concerted efforts from the two factions to develop strong electoral systems for the betterment of the future.

“We are privileged to partner with JLAC on the electoral reform’s agenda in Kenya. We are in a new electoral cycle running up to 2027, and the responsibility of this committee will be enormous considering that in the last electoral cycle culminating in 2022, no major election reforms were done. This electoral reforms conversation will have to be spearheaded by the JLAC," said Mr. Odhiambo.

The Chairperson of the Committee Hon. Murugara thanked ELGIA for organizing the workshop, noting that it could not have come at a better time, considering that ELGIA deals with two very important roles of electoral laws and governance.

“Governance is an important part of our country. We have three arms of Government which are supposed to deal with checks and balances. But continuously, you hear the Executive is eroding the liberty of the Legislature and Judiciary; so, this is the Committee that is supposed to ensure that the rule of law is upheld in our country. Let us team up so that we are able to look at our electoral laws extensively,” said Hon. Murugara.

Hon. Farah Maalim (Dadaab) who is a Member of JLAC while addressing the meeting noted that JLAC will be fully involved to ensure that the next election will be smooth, free and fair.

“This reform conversation has come early in the day and we are grateful to ELGIA for organising this workshop. Let us walk this talk and see how JLAC can work with you to help strengthen our electoral systems. We hold the future of this country in our hands. Let’s get the right systems in our laws and move this country forward for the future,” said Hon. Maalim.