Erastus Ethekon Leads New IEBC Team In unveiling Roadmap to 2027

Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Turkana County News Online

The newly sworn-in commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have pledged to uphold the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process, assuring Kenyans of free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during their inaugural press briefing since assuming office, at a retreat in Mombasa, IEBC Chairperson Dr. Erastus Ethekon said the commission, now fully constituted following their appointment on July 11, 2025, is operational and ready to undertake its constitutional mandate.

The Chairperson was flanked by the Vice Chairperson, Fahima Araphat, and Commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, and Francis Aduol.

“We are united as a commission and fully committed to executing our mandate in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” said Dr. Ethokon. He further cited the urgent need to address 23 pending by-elections across the country, a situation caused by vacancies resulting from deaths, resignations, and court rulings.

The affected positions include one Senate seat, six National Assembly seats, and 16 Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

The Chairperson noted that the IEBC is working closely with Parliament and political parties to expedite the issuance of fresh writs by the respective Speakers, thereby paving the way for the commission to conduct the by-elections.

“We empathise with the affected constituents and assure them that steps are being taken to restore their right to representation in the shortest time possible,” he said, adding that budgetary engagements with the National Treasury are underway to facilitate the electoral process.

Responding to increased demand for voter registration, particularly among the youth, Dr. Ethekon confirmed that the commission is finalising preparations to resume Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in August 2025.

He underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate and inclusive voter register, noting that the registration process had been halted to facilitate the conduct of the 2022 General Election and was further delayed by the absence of a substantive commission.

“A clean and inclusive register is the foundation of a credible election. We intend to ensure no eligible Kenyan is left out,” he said. A gazette notice with specific dates and procedures for the resumption of voter registration is expected to be published in the coming weeks. The IEBC will prioritise targeted voter education and structured stakeholder engagement throughout the electoral cycle.

The initiative, Dr. Ethekon said, stems from lessons learned in the 2022 General Election and recommendations from observer missions, which cited the need for continuous and accessible electoral education. “Well-informed voters are empowered to make sound decisions. We shall enhance voter education and ensure that electoral information is readily available in diverse formats,” he said.

The commission acknowledged a delay in the constitutionally mandated review of electoral boundaries, which was due by March 6, 2024. The delay was attributed to the prolonged absence of a chairperson and commissioners.

Dr.Ethekon disclosed that the commission had sought legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General and subsequently filed a reference at the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion on whether the delimitation process could proceed beyond the constitutional timelines.

“We await the Supreme Court’s determination before proceeding with stakeholder engagement on the boundary review,” he added. On Legal and Regulatory Reforms, the IEBC has submitted several draft amendment bills and revised regulations to Parliament aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing elections. The legislative proposals include: The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the County Governments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Election Campaign Financing (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Referendum Bill, 2024 The commission is also reviewing the following regulations: Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, Elections (Voter Registration) Regulations, 2012, Elections (Voter Education) Regulations, 2012, Elections (Party List and Party Primaries) Regulations, 2017, Elections (Technology) Regulations, 2017 and Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2024. The commission will subject the draft regulations to public participation before finalisation and implementation, in line with a High Court directive on campaign financing regulations.

Dr.Ethekon emphasised the importance of timely and adequate funding to deliver on the commission’s mandate, noting that IEBC will work closely with Parliament and the National Treasury to secure necessary resources throughout the electoral cycle.

He called on all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society, the media, Parliament, and development partners, to collaborate with the commission as it implements key electoral activities. In response to recent political statements by politicians alleging IEBC will rig elections in their favour, the IEBC chair strongly refuted the claims, urging leaders to refrain from casting aspersions on the commission’s integrity.

“We took an oath to uphold the Constitution and ensure the independence of the electoral process. We urge politicians to allow the commission to do its work and restore public confidence in the democratic process,” Dr. Ethekon said.

He also reassured the public that the commission is unified and committed to conducting its affairs transparently, distancing the current leadership from past internal divisions witnessed during the 2022 General Election.