Ruto receives report on candidates for IEBC top jobs
President said he will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly for consideration as stipulated in the law
The Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel, led by Nelson Makanda, has handed over its report on the nominees for the positions of the chairperson and commissioners.
In a statement after receiving the report, President Ruto thanked Makanda and his team for the commendable work.
“I have today received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC Selection Panel, State House, Nairobi. I commend the panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, for their diligent and commendable work,” the president stated.
He added that he will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly for consideration as stipulated in the law.
“By 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,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of restoring the full functionality of the IEBC without delay, noting that a credible and operational electoral commission is essential in strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and preparing for future electoral processes in a timely and transparent manner.
The selection panel that conducted the recruitment stands dissolved after submitting the names to the president, unless parliament resolves to extend its tenure if needed.
The Constitution states that upon receiving the report, the president is required to nominate one individual for the position of chairperson and six individuals for the positions of members of the commission within seven days.
He, thereafter, submits the names to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.
After receiving the report, the National Assembly has 28 days to conduct the vetting process, during which it may approve or reject the nominees.
If the nominees are approved, the president must formally appoint them through a Gazette notice within seven days of receiving the approval.
Throughout this process, constitutional requirements must be observed, including the principles of gender equity and regional balance.
No more than two-thirds of the members of the commission should be of the same gender, and regional diversity must be taken into account.
