The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has stressed the need to recruit the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
Following a meeting between U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman and IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein on Wednesday, October 22, the embassy said the commission's ability to support democracy is at risk without commissioners.
Additionally, the embassy said Parliament's failure to provide IEBC with funding for activities such as voter registration puts democracy in danger.
"IEBC’s ability to support democracy in Kenya is at risk without the recruitment of commissioners or parliamentary action to provide IEBC funding for voter registration, by-elections, and other election activities. The United States supports Kenya’s democracy through USAID," the statement read.
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This comes three months after President William Ruto pledged to ensure a transparent recruitment process for new IEBC commissioners.
Following the signing of the IEBC Amendment Bill on July 9, 2024, he emphasized that the selection panel will consist of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from political parties and professional bodies.
“This historic action paves the way for appointing the selection panel that will recruit IEBC’s new commissioners. I am fully behind the process and committed to ensuring its full implementation,” Ruto said.
IEBC commissioners play a crucial role in overseeing the electoral process, including formulating policies that guide the electoral process and ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
Commissioners also supervise the conduct of elections, managing logistics and ensuring compliance with electoral laws.
In addition to their supervisory role, IEBC commissioners verify and ratify election results submitted by the secretariat.
Furthermore, commissioners are tasked with reviewing electoral boundaries, which is a key function for ensuring fair representation in Parliament and government.
