State House, Nairobi – May 6, 2025 — President William Ruto has officially received the highly anticipated report from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel, marking a critical step toward reconstituting the nation’s electoral body ahead of future polls.
“This morning, I received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the IEBC from the IEBC Selection Panel, State House Nairobi,” President Ruto announced in a statement.
The Selection Panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, has been working under intense scrutiny since its establishment, tasked with overseeing a transparent and merit-based recruitment process to restore full operational capacity to the IEBC. The Commission has been operating below quorum following the 2022 General Election and subsequent resignations and term expirations of commissioners.
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“I commend the panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, for their diligent and commendable work,” the President noted, signaling his approval of the thoroughness and integrity of the process.
The IEBC Selection Panel was constituted under the IEBC (Amendment) Act, following a protracted bipartisan agreement to reconstitute the electoral body through a multi-sectoral process involving the Parliamentary Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Political Parties Liaison Committee, Law Society of Kenya, and representatives from religious groups. This framework was designed to bolster public confidence and insulate the Commission from political interference.
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President Ruto emphasized his commitment to constitutionalism in the next phase of the process: “In accordance with the provisions of the IEBC Act, I will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly in full fidelity to the constitutional principles that guide our system of governance.”
The names of the nominees are expected to be forwarded to Parliament shortly, where the National Assembly will vet them before formal appointment. The move sets the stage for restoring the IEBC’s full functionality ahead of impending by-elections and future electoral cycles.
This moment represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s democratic journey as the country seeks to fortify the credibility and independence of its electoral institutions.
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