Former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi has presented her case for being the best candidate for the position of chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). During her interview with the selection panel chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, Amadi emphasized her extensive experience in high-pressure roles, particularly within the Judiciary, which she believes makes her well-suited for the job.
Amadi highlighted her tenure as Chief Judiciary Registrar, during which she worked closely with at least three Chief Justices. This experience, she noted, has given her invaluable exposure to institutional leadership and governance.
“I bring a diverse skill set to the IEBC chair position. The role requires both leadership and sound judgment, as well as extensive interactions with various stakeholders,” Amadi told the panel on Monday.
She described herself as a unifier by nature and character, a trait she believes is essential for leading the commission effectively. Amadi further noted that her past role as Judiciary Chief Registrar and Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission gave her a deep understanding of how commissions operate, particularly in high-pressure environments.
“It is a high-pressure position, and there are moments when it gets intense, requiring the chair to take a firm stance,” she said.
Explaining the importance of the IEBC chairperson’s role, Amadi stated that the position is crucial in stabilizing the institution and providing strategic direction. She underscored the need to rally commission members around a shared agenda and ensure collective support.
“The chair plays a key role in setting the agenda. It is important to rally members around it to ensure collective support,” she said. “It is not just about introducing an agenda but also about ensuring shared roles and responsibilities.”
Amadi also stressed the importance of a strong working relationship between the chairperson and the commission secretary, stating that her experience as secretary in the Judiciary has given her a clear understanding of leadership boundaries.
Amadi retired from the Judiciary in 2024 after serving for ten years as an accounting officer. The selection panel is currently interviewing 11 shortlisted candidates for the IEBC chair position. The successful candidate will succeed the late Wafula Chebukati, who completed his six-year term in 2023 and passed away last month.
The interviews are being conducted at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
