Kenya is likely to have a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the next 14 days after President William Ruto officially received a report on nominees for the crucial commission two years before the election.
According to the IEBC Act, the president has seven days to decide on who will be the country's next IEBC chairperson and commissioners and submit the names to Parliament.
Parliament then has seven days to vet the nominees and return the approved names to the president for appointment.
In an official statement, President Ruto acknowledged receiving the names on Tuesday, May 6, and explained that he will nominate the candidates he deems fit for the various positions and forward them to Parliament.
While assuring that he will adhere to the constitutional requirements in selecting the names of the chairperson of commissioners, Ruto praised the selection panel chaired by Nelson Makanda for what he termed as diligent and commendable work.
He emphasised the importance of restoring the full functionality of the IEBC without delay, noting that a credible and operational electoral commission is essential in strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and preparing for future electoral processes in a timely and transparent manner.
"I commend the panel, chaired by Dr Nelson Makanda, for their diligent and commendable work. By the provisions of the IEBC Act, I will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly in full fidelity to the constitutional principles that guide our system of governance," Ruto said.
Ruto received the names after months of rigorous interviews by the selection panel, which scoured through hundreds of names to arrive at the final 11 for the chairperson position and 106 candidates for the commissioners.
Among those who were interviewed for the chairperson position were former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, former Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairperson Charles Nyachae, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa.
The interviews for commissioners ran from March 27 to April 25, where the panel took the candidates through vetting based on their qualifications, integrity, and ability to oversee electoral processes.
The IEBC has been without a fully constituted leadership since early 2023, following the expiration of the term of its previous chair, Wafula Chebukati, on January 17, 2023.
Ruto’s reception of the IEBC recruitment report marks a critical step toward reconstituting the electoral body, which is essential for conducting by-elections and preparing for the 2027 general election.
