The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya is set for a fresh start following a long period of dormancy. This comes after President William Ruto signed the IEBC Bill into law in early 2025, paving the way for the appointment of new commissioners.
Why the Reconstitution Was Necessary
Since the exit of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu at the beginning of 2023, the commission has been operating without commissioners. The resignation of commissioners Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Justus Nyang’aya, and Irene Masit in the wake of the 2022 general election controversy left the commission incomplete.
With the entire commissioner bench vacant, the secretariat has been left to run IEBC operations, which require oversight and strategic direction.
Composition of the IEBC
The IEBC is structured into two key arms:
- The Commissioners: A maximum of six commissioners plus a chairperson and deputy chairperson.
- The Secretariat: This is the executive arm responsible for implementing the commission’s policies and strategies.
The secretariat is headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), supported by two deputies, nine directors, 24 managers, 47 County Election Managers, and 290 Constituency Election Coordinators.
Functions of IEBC Commissioners
Commissioners play a critical role in safeguarding electoral integrity and democracy in Kenya. Their main functions include:
- Formulating policies and strategic plans for the commission.
- Supervising and overseeing voter registration processes.
- Managing and conducting general elections and referendums.
- Overseeing boundary reviews and delimitation of electoral units.
- Ensuring transparency and fairness in the entire electoral process.
Role of the IEBC Chairman
The chairman of the IEBC holds a unique and powerful position, especially during general elections. To qualify, the chairperson must meet the standards of a Supreme Court judge.
The IEBC chairman’s core responsibilities include:
- Acting as the national returning officer during a general election.
- Receiving, tallying, and verifying Forms 34A and 34B from polling stations.
- Declaring the final presidential election results.
- Delivering a written notification of the result to the Chief Justice and the incumbent president.
Looking Ahead: Restoring Public Trust
The reconstitution of IEBC is a vital step in restoring public trust in Kenya’s electoral system. With new commissioners expected to take office soon, all eyes will be on their ability to deliver credible and transparent elections ahead of the next general election cycle.
