This article focuses on the qualifications for the appointment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners. IEBC is responsible for conducting or supervising referendums and elections for an elective office established by the constitution.
The commission comprises the chairperson and 6 other commissioners who are appointed in accordance with Article 250(4) of the constitution of Kenya.
Article 250 of the constitution of Kenya, 2010 Section 5&6 of the IEBC Act 2011 (the IEBC Act 2011) and the first schedule thereto, as amended by the IEBC (Amendment) Act 2020, provide for the membership of IEBC and the process of appointment of commissioners.
A member of the commission shall be appointed for a single term of 6 years and shall not be eligible for re-appointment. The members shall serve on a full-time basis.
Qualifications For Appointment Of IEBC Commissioners
(i). IEBC Chairperson
- Be qualified to hold the office of the Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Bachelor of Law degree from a recognised institution in Kenya.
- Have proven relevant experience in electoral matters, management, finance, governance, public administration and law.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter 6 of the constitution.
(ii). Other Commissioners
- Hold a degree from a recognised institution in Kenya.
- Have proven relevant experience in electoral matters, management, finance, governance, public administration and law.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter 6 of the constitution.
A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the commission if;
- He/she has at any time within the preceding 5 years held office or stood for election as a member of parliament, county assembly or a member of the governing body of a political party.
- He/she holds any state office.
How IEBC Commissioners Are Appointed
The president forms a selection panel that consists of;
- 2 nominees (one man and woman) from the Parliamentary Service Commission.
- One person nominated by the Public Service Commission.
- One person nominated by the political parties liaison committee.
- One person nominated by the Law Society of Kenya.
- 2 persons representing the Inter Religious Council of Kenya.
The selection panel invites applications, shortlists candidates and conducts interviews in public.
After successful interviews, the panel forwards names to the president who then forwards the names to members of parliament for vetting.
IEBC Contacts
Head Office: University Way, Anniversary Towers, 6th Floor, Nairobi.
Contact: 020 287 7000.
