The panel tasked with selecting new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended its decision to interview six additional candidates who had not initially made the shortlist.
Speaking during a briefing after the conclusion of the interview process, Selection Panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda emphasized that the move was in line with constitutional principles. He explained that the inclusion was aimed at enhancing inclusivity, regional balance, and youth representation key tenets enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.
Makanda said the panel, which comprises nine members, was committed to ensuring that the final list of nominees reflects the face of Kenya. He assured the public that, beyond ensuring gender parity and regional balance, the team would prioritize the integrity and professionalism of the candidates when making its final recommendations to President William Ruto.
“The Constitution requires us to ensure that appointments to public offices are representative of the diversity of the people of Kenya,” Makanda stated. “We are guided by merit, but we also must be conscious of equity, inclusivity, and youth representation.”
The interviews for the IEBC commissioner positions began on March 27, 2025, and concluded on April 25. The panel interviewed dozens of candidates during this period, including the six who had been added in the later stages.
Makanda reiterated that the additional candidates were subjected to the same rigorous evaluation process as those initially shortlisted. He dismissed claims that the decision was politically motivated, insisting that the panel operated independently and transparently throughout the selection process.
The IEBC has been under intense public scrutiny following the resignation of several commissioners after the 2022 General Election, and the current recruitment exercise is seen as a critical step in restoring public confidence in the electoral body.
The selection panel is expected to forward its final list of successful candidates to President Ruto in the coming days, after which he will nominate individuals for parliamentary approval. Kenyans are watching closely, hoping that the new team will strengthen the integrity and credibility of future electoral processes.
