Bungoma, Kakamega in leading counties seeking IEBC positions

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has released the long list of applicants for the vacant commissioner and chairperson positions, marking a significant step in the reconstitution of the electoral body.

The process has gained momentum amid calls for expedited recruitment to ensure the commission is fully constituted, given the critical tasks ahead, including pending by-elections.

According to the selection panel, a total of 1,319 candidates applied for the commissioner positions, while 37 individuals expressed interest in becoming the next IEBC Chairperson.

Additionally, duplicate applications were recorded for both roles, alongside 91 unreferenced applications and 14 deemed as stray submissions.

The gender breakdown of applicants revealed that 1,078 were male, representing 80.8%, while 237 were female, accounting for 17.8% of the total applications.

An analysis of applications by county showed that Homa Bay led with 63 applicants, followed closely by Kisii with 62, Bungoma with 59, and Kakamega with 54.

These four counties recorded the highest number of submissions, signaling a strong interest in electoral leadership from the Western and Nyanza regions.

The IEBC selection panel, aware of the public’s trust deficit in the commission and the recruitment process, has assured Kenyans of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the selection exercise.

The next phase will involve shortlisting candidates, followed by interviews, before identifying the most suitable individuals to take charge of Kenya’s electoral process.

The reconstitution of the IEBC follows the exit of the previous commissioners, including the late Wafula Chebukati, who had served as chairperson, and other senior officials who left after the 2022 General Elections.

The selection of new commissioners is critical, as the commission plays a pivotal role in managing elections, voter registration, boundary delimitation, and electoral dispute resolution.

The vacancies in the commission have delayed key electoral activities, including the planning of upcoming by-elections and preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Various political stakeholders, civil society groups, and citizens have been urging the government to expedite the process to ensure a fully functional electoral body ahead of future elections.

The selection panel’s commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive recruitment process will be closely watched, given past concerns over political interference and credibility issues within the commission.

The next steps shortlisting and interviews will be crucial in determining whether the new IEBC leadership can restore public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.