IEBC Chairperson Interviews Close, Here’s What Happens Next
The interviews for the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially ended on Wednesday. This marks a key step in reconstituting the electoral body as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Candidates for the IEBC Chairperson Role
The following candidates are competing to succeed the late Wafula Chebukati:
- Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan
- Former Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi
- Ex-Constitution Implementation Commission Chair Charles Nyachae
- Chrisphine Otieno Owiye
- Duncan Oburu Ojwang
- Francis Kakai Kissinger
- Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo
- Lillian Wanjiku Manegene
- Robert Akumu Asembo
- Rollince Choge
- Saul Simiyu Wasilwa
Next Steps in the Appointment Process
Now that the Chairperson interviews are complete, the IEBC Selection Panel will begin interviewing 105 applicants for six vacant commissioner positions. These interviews will start on Thursday and will run until April 24, 2025.
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After the interviews, the Selection Panel will have seven days to submit:
- Two names for the Chairperson role
- Nine names for the Commissioner positions
These names will be sent to President William Ruto for further action.
Presidential Nomination and Parliamentary Vetting
Once the President receives the list, he has seven days to select:
- One nominee for the Chairperson role
- Six nominees for Commissioner roles
These nominees will then be forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting.
Under the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Parliament has up to 21 days to assess the candidates based on qualifications, integrity, and suitability for office.
If approved, the President must officially appoint them within seven days through a Gazette Notice. If a nominee is rejected, the President will be required to choose another name from the shortlist.
Youth Participation and Election Readiness
With the IEBC being restructured, focus is shifting to the readiness of young voters for the 2027 elections. Kenya has around 13 million citizens between 18 and 35 years old. Ensuring they have National Identity Cards (IDs) is crucial for voter registration.
To support this, President Ruto has:
- Abolished fees for new ID applications and renewals
- Removed extra vetting procedures for border communities to speed up ID issuance
These reforms will make it easier for young Kenyans to register as voters and participate in the 2027 elections.
The completion of the IEBC reconstitution will mark a major step toward a transparent and inclusive electoral process in Kenya.
IEBC Chairperson Interviews Close, Here’s What Happens Next
