Former Nairobi County Executive Mohamed Dagane has emphasized the need for robust and transparent communication as a foundation for restoring public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Speaking before the IEBC selection panel chaired by Rev. Nelson Makanda, Dagane highlighted his communications background as an asset in engaging and educating the public on electoral processes.
“If successful, I intend to use my skills to ensure the public is well-informed about their rights and electoral responsibilities. We must reach the widest audiences possible and keep IEBC simple,” Dagane told the panel.
He recounted his experience in Nairobi County, where he worked in a high-pressure environment involving multiple stakeholders, including county assembly members, contractors, and civil society organizations. Dagane noted that he consistently stood by the law and resisted undue pressure, asserting, “I was able to stand on my feet and say no.”
Another candidate, advocate Melisa Ng’ania, echoed the importance of integrity and impartiality. Currently a board member at Financial Inclusion and Micro-Cap Holdings Limited, Ng’ania stressed the need to deliver services despite external pressure. “People who want you to do wrong do not like you, but those who want you to succeed will support you,” she said.
Ng’ania also pointed to voter disenfranchisement caused by lack of identification documents, logistical issues, and limited voter registration centers. She called for tailored messaging to combat youth apathy and improve engagement.
Mary Njeri Mburu, a non-executive director at Family Bank and a veteran of international missions in Haiti, Afghanistan, and Liberia, advocated for rigorous technology audits to ensure credibility. “We must give Kenyans confidence in the results by showing that the technology has been independently verified,” she said.
Njeri underscored the urgency of a credible electoral body, drawing on her experience in countries where democracy and rule of law were lacking. “This job is not tougher than what I’ve seen before,” she declared.
The IEBC selection panel began interviews on March 27 and will conclude by April 25. Out of 74 candidates interviewed so far, the panel will forward two nominees for chairperson and nine for commissioner roles to the President, who will appoint one chair and six commissioners.
