In a significant step toward the recruitment of the next leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Makanda was elected as the Chairperson of the IEBC Selection Panel, with Lindah Kiome chosen as the Vice Chairperson. The announcement came during a meeting held on January 27, 2025, where the members of the Selection Panel also took their oaths of office before Chief Justice Martha Koome, affirming their commitment to a fair and transparent selection process.
Makanda emphasized the importance of delivering on the mandate given to the Panel over the next 85 days or fewer. “Our task is to ensure that Kenyans get a new chairperson and members of the IEBC,” he said, highlighting the urgency and responsibility of the position.
According to the IEBC Act, the Selection Panel must invite applications for the IEBC chairperson and members within seven days of its appointment. The deadline is fast approaching, with applications set to open on February 1, 2025. The panel will publish the names and qualifications of all applicants in the Gazette, national newspapers, and on the website of the Parliamentary Service Commission, ensuring transparency in the process.
Makanda reassured the public that the recruitment exercise will be conducted impartially and with the highest levels of fairness and transparency. The Panel, which consists of nine members, is tasked with selecting the most qualified individuals to steer the commission forward, with a particular focus on integrity and competence.
He also expressed his gratitude to the media, noting that their role in informing the public and holding the panel accountable is crucial. “Through the 4th Estate, the public can hold us to account as we fulfill our duty,” Makanda said, recognizing the indispensable role of the press in fostering transparency.
The Selection Panel is composed of representatives from diverse sectors, including the Parliamentary Service Commission, Political Parties Liaison Committee, Law Society of Kenya, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Inter-religious Council of Kenya. This broad representation ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the recruitment process.
As the Panel prepares to begin its work, Kenyans can look forward to a recruitment process that promises to be open, transparent, and accountable, ultimately shaping the future of Kenya’s electoral processes.
