Journey to New IEBC Commissioner Appointments

The attention now turns to President William Ruto following the signing of the IEBC Bill, 2024.
The names of the candidates who were submitted to him to be on the panel must be published in a Gazzete Notice.
At the KICC on July 9, 2024, President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka signed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
At the KICC on July 9, 2024, President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka signed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) signing

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024's enactment has officially launched a protracted process to select new commissioners.

The recently enacted legislation by Parliament brings about a number of important modifications to the electoral body's composition and functioning.

It also gives the chairman complete control over the commission, meaning that no one else, not even the vice chairman or a commissioner, may take over in his absence. This includes the process of selecting new commissioners.

The attention now turns to President William Ruto, who must publish the names of the candidates submitted to him for panel seats in a Gazzete Notice.

However, there are no deadlines given for when he needs to make it.

Selection Panel
The panel will now have nine members instead of the original seven, chosen by different gamers.

These are the three individuals nominated by the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) and the two individuals nominated by the Parliamentary Service Commission, who represent the minority and majority parties, respectively.

A parliamentary party or coalition of parties forming the national government, a parliamentary party or coalition of parties not forming the government, and one party other than a parliamentary party or coalition of parties will comprise the three members of the PPLC.

One nominee will be chosen by the Inter-religious Council of Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

The Inter-religious Council of Kenya will have two seats, and the Law Society of Kenya and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) will each propose one person.

At least five Commission members are required to form a quorum in order to transact business during a meeting.

Term of office

The panel will recruit and send the names of potential appointees to the president throughout its ninety-day term in office.

Nonetheless, a resolution to prolong its tenure may be passed by the Senate and the National Assembly.

Procedure of operation


During its first meeting, the selection panel will choose a chairman and vice-chairperson from among its members.

The panel has a quorum of five people.

It'll establish its own operating guidelines as well.

The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) will supply the facilities and administrative services needed for the panel to carry out its duties.

Prior to assuming office, the chairperson and members of the selection panel are required to take an oath or affirmation of office and sign it.

It will post the names of all applicants and their qualifications in the Gazette, two major newspapers, and on the PSC website within seven days of its appointment. It will also accept applications from qualified individuals.

The submissions will then be reviewed, a shortlist created, and candidates will be interviewed.

Applicants must complete their work in public.

Following the interviews, the panel will designate two individuals who meet the qualifications to serve as the chairperson and nine individuals who meet the qualifications to serve as members of the Commission. The results will be sent to the President.

Subsequently, the president will propose a single individual to serve as the chairperson and six others as members.

The president will forward the list of nominees to the National Assembly for approval within seven days of receiving the names.

Choosing the commissioners

The President will designate the Chairperson and members of the Commission by notice in the Gazette within seven days after receiving the names accepted by the National Assembly.

The selection panel, the National Assembly, and the President shall guarantee that not more than two-thirds of the members are of the same gender and that regional balance is maintained when shortlisting, nominating, or appointing individuals as chairperson and members of the Commission.