Foreign embassies and high commissions have welcomed the recent appointment of commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), commending the move as an essential step toward strengthening Kenya’s democratic processes.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 15, the international community welcomed the newly appointed, affirming the IEBC’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s electoral processes.
“As Kenya’s longstanding partners and fellow democracies, we affirm the critical role independent institutions play in upholding the provisions of Kenya’s constitution, particularly those guaranteeing free, fair, and credible elections,” the statement read in part.
They further called on the newly appointed commissioners to discharge their duties with professionalism, impartiality, and transparency, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and accountability in serving all Kenyans.
The diplomatic representatives also urged the National Assembly and the National Treasury to ensure timely and adequate funding for the IEBC to effectively carry out its mandate.
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Additionally, they encouraged civic and government institutions to promote voter education and engagement ahead of future electoral exercises.
“We stand ready, working in partnership, to further strengthen electoral systems and bolster public trust in Kenya’s democratic institutions,” the statement added.
This statement comes days after President William Ruto formally appointed the new electoral team through a gazette notice dated July 10. The appointments followed a ruling by a three-judge bench that cleared the legal hurdles that had stalled the process.
Erastus Edung Ethekon was appointed as the IEBC chairperson for a six-year term. The other commissioners named in the gazette notice include Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah—each also set to serve for six years.
