EXPLAINER: List of Tasks That Await New IEBC Commissioners
The new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) staff has little space for luxuries, as they started off a ticking clock immediately after their swearing-in on Friday, June 11.
During the oath-taking ceremony, the new IEBC Chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, acknowledged his responsibilities and promised to serve Kenyans diligently, without fear, favour, or bias.
“I, Erastus Edung Ethekon, having been appointed the Chairperson of IEBC, do solemnly swear that I will at all times obey, respect and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all other laws of the country,” he stated.
After taking the oath, Ethekon and his team of six other commissioners face a number of critical constitutional and legal challenges.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon: Today marks the beginning of our service to Kenya. We must approach this sacred duty with the urgency, integrity, and absolute commitment guided by the Constitution and the expectations of every Kenyan. pic.twitter.com/uvAIgeFyIB
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 11, 2025
We are excited to announce that, following the official gazettement and swearing-in of the new Chairperson and Commissioners, the IEBC is now fully constituted and ready to serve.
— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) July 11, 2025
Now Introducing the Commission as:
Chairperson: Erastus Edung Ethekon
Member: Anne Njeri Nderitu… pic.twitter.com/4sjgL00Sj2
The most important of which is conducting 22 outstanding by-elections across the country.
These involve by-elections for six parliamentary seats, one Senate seat, and fifteen vacant MCA seats.
Article 101(4) of the Constitution and Section 86 of the Elections Act require the IEBC to convene by-elections within 90 days of a seat being vacant.
Because there has been a void in the IEBC since 2023, this mandate was hampered by the 90-day window that was essentially activated following Ethekon and his team’s official swearing-in.
Beyond by-elections, another high-stakes task is the constitutionally mandated delayed boundary delimitation procedure.
RACE TO 2027
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) July 11, 2025
New IEBC team swamped with priorities
Crucial tasks include by-elections, voter registration
Boundaries review is also a necessity#EasyFriday ^RW@johnkagoKbc pic.twitter.com/Q7VZgO4TPe
According to the law, election boundaries must be modified every 8 to 12 years.
Since the last review in 2012, the commission has fallen alarmingly behind schedule, with only two years until the next elections.
ALSO READ:
- “Silly Phrases Won’t Help You Win!” – Ruto Tells United Opposition
- KDF Breaks Silence After THREE Recruits Die During Routine Exercise
- United States Set To Fund, Build Mega Project In Lamu
- REPORT: The MOST Popular Radio Stations In Kenya, Kameme And Inooro Roar Big
- Gachagua Threatens Nationwide Protests After IG Kanja Talks
In addition, the new IEBC must clean up and audit the voter register, as well as conduct a big voter registration activity in preparation for the next election.
This will include updating the country’s aging KIEMS and BVRS kits, which have been critical components of the voting system.
The new commissioners were sworn in after President Ruto re-gazetted their appointment on Thursday evening, citing the High Court’s judgment to reject an initial gazette notice as null and void.
In their decision, the three-judge bench of Justices Roselyne Aburili, John Chigiti, and Bahati Mwamuye found that the original notice violated conservatory orders granted on May 29.
EXPLAINER: List of Tasks That Await New IEBC Commissioners
