Joel Mwita could soon make history as the youngest commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following an impressive performance before the selection panel on Friday. At just 32 years old, Mwita outlined an ambitious vision to reinvigorate the IEBC by putting the youth at the heart of electoral processes.
Appearing before the Nelson Makanda-led panel, Mwita emphasized that enhancing voter registration and tackling youth apathy would be central to his tenure if appointed. “If I get an opportunity to serve as commissioner, I will remove the commission from the Anniversary Towers to the people,” Mwita said, stressing the need for constant stakeholder engagement to rebuild public trust.
With over a decade of experience in election management, governance, and financial management, Mwita proposed targeted youth messaging and policies to drive greater participation among young voters. He advocated for a more accessible, continuous voter registration process, aimed at reaching millions of eligible but unregistered Kenyans.
“As IEBC, we will ensure the process of voter registration is guaranteed and continuous by reaching out to this target population and making the process easy and understandable,” he noted.
Mwita, a certified mediator skilled in peacebuilding, conflict management, and research, also called for closer collaboration between IEBC and the National Registration Bureau. He stressed the urgency of fast-tracking the issuance of national identity cards, especially in border counties where bureaucratic delays have disenfranchised many youths.
“The youth need to be fed with relevant information, which is very critical for them to understand why they should participate in this important democratic exercise,” he added.
Currently serving as the Director of Liaison Services and Head of Nairobi Office for the Turkana County Government, Mwita presented himself as a dynamic and innovative youth advocate with strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Being the last candidate to face the panel, Mwita left a lasting impression, making it clear that, if selected, his priority would be reconnecting the IEBC with the electorate, particularly young Kenyans, and transforming the commission into a more accessible and people-centered institution.
