Rivals in parliament have held talks to end the dispute over the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which critics said was biased and not fit to oversee elections scheduled for August 2017.

A government statement said a committee representing several government agencies "will lead negotiations with the IEBC commissioners to facilitate the orderly and dignified exit of current commissioners and ensure a seamless transition".

Violence has often been a feature of Kenyan elections.

After the 2007 vote, ethnic fighting left 1,200 people dead.

Opposition protests against the 10-strong commission erupted in April and led to a least four deaths when youths blocked roads and clashed with police.

--reuters--