The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is still grappling with key issues, even as interviews to select a new chair commenced on Monday, March 24.
A recent survey by Inforak highlighted deep-seated concerns among IEBC stakeholders regarding the commission’s competence in conducting a credible election, particularly as polls have consistently been contested by losing candidates since 2007.
According to the survey, one of the biggest concerns regarding the IEBC was external interference, with 39 per cent of respondents expressing fears that the commission tends to be influenced by powerful forces outside its structure— a factor likely to further erode public confidence.
Another key concern is corruption, as 38 per cent of respondents raised concerns over the mismanagement of resources, procurement scandals, and financial misappropriation.
The issue of graft within IEBC came into play once again after the commission quoted a Ksh61 billion budget estimate for the upcoming 2027 elections. IEBC’s legal director, Crispin Owiye, has since explained that the exorbitant budget was largely because of political tensions and distrust in the country.
Another 38 per cent of respondents pointed to the lack of commissioners as a major gap in the commission’s governance, noting that without a fully constituted commission, election preparations are stalled as fundamental decisions cannot be made.
Furthermore, inadequate funding also emerged as a pressing concern, with 23 per cent of stakeholders highlighting limited financial resources as a potential hindrance to the IEBC’s ability to deploy election materials, train officials, and upgrade technology for more efficient processes.
Elsewhere, 13 per cent of respondents raised concerns about inadequate resources, including insufficient manpower and outdated election equipment, which further complicate service delivery.
Beyond these primary concerns, 3 per cent of stakeholders cited other issues, including a lack of legal clarity on electoral dispute resolution mechanisms.
Despite efforts to refine its operations, the commission continues to grapple with deep-rooted structural and operational issues that cast doubt on its effectiveness.
With the new selection panel racing against time to address some of the issues facing the commission, 11 candidates are set to be interviewed for the IEBC chair position.
The selection panel, led by Nelson Makanda, was scheduled to interview Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Atieno Amadi, former East African Court of Justice judge Charles Ayako Nyachae, and Edward Katama Ngeywa on Monday.
Candidates including Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo are slated for their interviews on Tuesday, March 24.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE