The much-awaited Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has been established following the selection and forwarding of nine nominees by the five bodies mandated by the newly signed electoral law.
The selection panel has been given three months to complete the recruitment exercise and forward the names of the nominees to the President. Unless its mandate is extended by Parliament, the panel will be dissolved after this period.
The Political Parties Liaison Committee has nominated three individuals Evans Misati, representing non-parliamentary parties, Nicodemus Bore from the Majority party, and Augustus Muli from the Minority party.
The Inter-Religious Council has retained two members from the previous selection panel, Dr. Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman.
Tanui Andrew Kipkoech has been nominated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
The selection panel is required to finalize the recruitment exercise within ninety days of its appointment and submit the names of the nominees to the President. According to the newly signed electoral law, the panel will be dissolved after this process unless Parliament passes a resolution to extend its tenure for a specified period.
“We are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and that we identify the best candidates to serve as IEBC Commissioners,” said a spokesperson from the Political Parties Liaison Committee.
Dr. Nelson Makanda expressed optimism about the process, stating, “Our goal is to uphold the integrity and credibility of the IEBC by selecting individuals who are beyond reproach and dedicated to fair electoral practices.”
Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, representing ICPAK, emphasized the importance of professional and ethical standards in the selection process. “As members of the selection panel, we have a duty to ensure that the nominees meet the highest standards of accountability and professionalism,” he said.
