The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a constitutional commission established under Article 88 of the Kenyan Constitution. Its primary mandate is to conduct and supervise referenda and elections for elective positions in Kenya.
1. Composition of the IEBC
✅ Total members: 7 (1 Chairperson + 6 Commissioners)
✅ Appointed for a single non-renewable term of 6 years
✅ Qualifications:
- Must have a university degree
- Must have relevant experience in electoral matters, law, governance, management, public administration, or finance
- Must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution (Leadership and Integrity)
✅ Disqualifications:
❌ Cannot be a current State officer
❌ Cannot have held a political party position or elective office in the last 5 years
📌 Removal from Office:
- Resignation (written notice to the President)
- Death
- Violation of the Constitution or Chapter Six (removed under Article 251)
2. Functions of the IEBC
(a) Conduct and Supervise Elections & Referenda
📌 Responsible for free, fair, and credible elections for:
✅ President
✅ Members of Parliament (MPs – National Assembly & Senate)
✅ County Governors & Deputy Governors
✅ Members of County Assemblies (MCAs)
✅ Referenda (e.g., Constitutional amendments, national issues)
(b) Voter Registration & Electoral Roll Management
✅ Continuous registration of voters
✅ Regular updates and verification of the voter register
(c) Delimitation of Electoral Boundaries
✅ Setting & reviewing constituency and ward boundaries
✅ Ensuring fair representation based on population and geography
(d) Regulation of Political Parties & Nominations
✅ Regulates political party nominations
✅ Registers candidates for elections
✅ Monitors party nomination processes
(e) Dispute Resolution & Electoral Offense Handling
✅ Handles nomination disputes (before election results are announced)
✅ Excludes election petitions (handled by the Judiciary)
(f) Voter Education & Election Monitoring
✅ Creates voter awareness & civic education programs
✅ Facilitates election observation & monitoring
(g) Election Financing & Campaign Regulations
✅ Regulates campaign spending limits
✅ Develops and enforces the code of conduct for candidates & parties
(h) Adoption of Technology in Elections
✅ Uses technology to improve election processes (e.g., biometric voter registration, electronic results transmission)
📌 Other functions as provided by law or assigned by Parliament
Key Takeaways
🔹 IEBC ensures free, fair, and credible elections in Kenya
🔹 Regulates voter registration, political parties, and campaign financing
🔹 Handles nomination disputes (not post-election petitions)
🔹 Uses technology to enhance electoral processes
For more details, refer to the IEBC Act.
