Hello MESH(ers)

The High Court in Malindi has ruled that Kenya's next General Election ought to be held in August 2026, not 2027.

The court based its decision on the Constitution, which says elections should be held on the second Tuesday in August in every fifth year.

According to the ruling, "every fifth year" means the election should take place during the fifth year after the last General Election, not after five full years have passed.

Since the last General Election was held on 9 August 2022, the court says the fifth year falls in August 2026, making that the correct election period.

The court also found that holding the election in August 2027 would not comply with this interpretation of the Constitution.

However, the court suspended the effect of its decision because organizing a nationwide election in August 2026 is no longer practical.

This means the ruling does not immediately change the current election timeline.

The decision is expected to be appealed, so higher courts could still determine whether Kenya's next General Election will be held in 2026 or 2027.