8 Things You Need to Know About the IEBC Bill Signed by President Ruto

Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto has officially signed into law the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bill No. 10 of 2024), a significant move that sets the stage for the recruitment of new commissioners.

The IEBC has faced challenges in recent years, with allegations of misconduct and inefficiency affecting its credibility. The new legislation seeks to address these issues by implementing stricter guidelines and oversight mechanisms for the commissioners.

8 Things You Need to Know About the IEBC Bill Signed by President Ruto:

1. Co-Sponsorship and Passage: The Bill was co-sponsored by the leaders of both major parties and passed by the National Assembly and Senate in June 2024.

2. **Public Recommendations**: The Bill incorporates recommendations from the public submitted to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) on various electoral and constitutional matters.

3. **Roadmap for Recruitment**: Establishes a process for recruiting the Chairperson and members of the Commission. Nominating bodies must forward names to the President through the Parliamentary Service Commission within 14 days, followed by the President appointing a selection panel within seven days. The panel has 90 days to conclude the recruitment process.

4. Expanded Panel: Increases the selection panel members from seven to nine to include a broader range of stakeholders. The Parliamentary Service Commission is required to budget for the panel’s expenses.

5. Professional Experience: Requires candidates to have proven knowledge and at least ten years’ experience. Additional qualifications include expertise in accounting or information and communication technology.

6. Extended Term: Extends the term of the Secretary to the Commission from three years, renewable once, to four years, renewable once, ensuring continuity.

7. Updated Provisions: Replaces the current schedule on delimitation of boundaries with a new one, involving both Houses of Parliament in the review process.

8. Legal Compliance : Amends the Act to comply with court decisions and removes outdated provisions.

Political analysts have lauded the signing of the bill as a positive step toward strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions. “This move is crucial for restoring public confidence in the electoral process. A transparent and accountable IEBC is essential for fair elections,” said Professor Mwangi Njoroge, a political science expert at the University of Nairobi.

The process of recruiting new IEBC commissioners is expected to commence immediately, with the Parliamentary Service Commission and other relevant bodies initiating the call for applications. The newly appointed commissioners will play a pivotal role in overseeing the electoral process, including the upcoming general elections.

As the country embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on the implementation of the IEBC Bill and its impact on Kenya’s democratic landscape. The successful recruitment and functioning of the new commissioners will be instrumental in shaping the future of the nation’s electoral integrity.