NAIROBI, Kenya— The long wait to reboot Kenya’s electoral agency is officially over—at least on paper.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has launched the vetting process for new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) leadership, acting on President William Ruto’s submission of nominees for the top job and six commissioner slots.
And while Parliament is technically on recess, Wetang’ula isn’t letting that pause slow down the clock.
He’s invoked special powers to fast-track the process without summoning back lawmakers—underscoring the urgency to rebuild an IEBC that’s been running on fumes for months.
New Faces Tapped to Rebuild the IEBC
Topping the list of Ruto’s appointees is Erastus Edung, nominated to chair the IEBC. Joining him in the line-up for commissioners are Ann Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Aduol, and Fahima Abdalla—a roster shaped by a selection panel operating under the National Dialogue Committee and the law guiding public appointments.
All seven names now sit before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), chaired by Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara.
With just 18 days to conduct vetting and report back, the pressure is on to ensure that these candidates meet the moment—particularly with by-elections looming and the 2027 general election already on the horizon.
The Process: Swift, Public, and Under Scrutiny
Wetang’ula’s memo was direct: vetting must start immediately. JLAC is expected to dig deep into each nominee’s professional record, integrity, and ability to handle the high-stakes demands of Kenya’s electoral landscape.
Part of that scrutiny will include public hearings, allowing Kenyans a front-row seat as candidates present their case for why they deserve the job. The vetting also opens the door for public objections, a key element of transparency in public appointments.
Still, none of this guarantees a green light. Parliament has the power to reject any nominee who doesn’t pass muster, which would send the process back to the president for fresh picks from the original pool vetted by the panel.
If Parliament gives the nod, this new team will inherit not just a job title, but a country counting on them to deliver credible elections.
