The delayed reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues to pose significant challenges, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula warning that boundary delimitation may be the most affected process. Speaking at a mid-term retreat in Naivasha, Wetangula emphasized that the delay has not only hindered by-elections but also threatens Kenya’s ability to review electoral boundaries in time for the next general elections.
The Constitution mandates that Kenya has 290 constituencies, and any boundary review must be completed at least 12 months before a general election. With time running out, Wetang’ula noted that the stalled reconstitution of the IEBC has already wasted critical months, making it unlikely that new constituencies can be created before the 2027 elections. However, he suggested that demographic-based adjustments within existing constituencies may still be possible.
“The delay in reconstituting the IEBC has stalled crucial activities, including boundary delimitation and by-elections. We have lost valuable time due to legal challenges, and now we are unsure whether the new commission will have enough time to complete a boundaries review,” said Wetang’ula.
Currently, 11 electoral areas, including National Assembly constituencies and county assembly wards, require by-elections. Some vacancies arose from the deaths of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), while others resulted from appointments made by President William Ruto. The absence of elected representatives in these areas has left many citizens without proper representation.
Wetang’ula called on the IEBC selection panel to accelerate the nomination and appointment of commissioners to restore normal electoral operations. The panel, officially gazetted and sworn in, includes nine members tasked with identifying candidates for the IEBC chairperson and commissioners.
Leader of the Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wah echoed these concerns, highlighting the growing frustration among Kenyans over the delays. He noted that Parliament had already complied with the High Court’s directive by enacting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023, which paved the way for forming the selection panel.
With time running out, both Wetang’ula and Ichung’wah stressed the urgency of appointing new commissioners. Any further delay, they warned, would not only affect electoral boundary reviews but also disenfranchise thousands of voters awaiting by-elections. The pressure is now on the selection panel to move quickly and ensure the IEBC is fully reconstituted before more time is lost.
