Parliament has extended the period of the Selection Panel for recruitment of nominees for appointment of chairperson and members of IEBC should conclude work by two weeks.
The National Assembly voted on Wednesday to increase the tenure of the panel by 14 days.
The 14-day extension will take effect on Monday, April 28, 2025.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted that the Selection Panel is required to finalise the recruitment within 90 days of its appointment and forward the names of nominees to the President
On January 27, 2025, Ruto appointed members of the Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for the appointment of chairperson and members of IEBC.
Wetang’ula further noted that the panel is currently undertaking interviews of shortlisted persons for the recruitment of the chairperson and members of IEBC.
“Given the schedule of interviews of all the shortlisted persons,” he said.
The Speaker said there was need for the panel to ensure the process takes into consideration regional balance representation of youth and overall inclusivity.
He added that there was also a need to ensure interviews are conducted within official working days and hours.
Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed
had filed a notice of motion seeking to extend timelines by 14 days.
Junet stated that the period should be extended with 14 days, as he made reference to paragraph 6(1) of the first schedule of IEBC Act Cap 7(c), saying it provides that the selection panel shall finalise recruitment exercise within 90 days of its appointment and forward the names to the President.
“Aware that by gazette notices 1901 and 2543 dated February 14 and March 1, 2023, respectively, President William Ruto declared one vacancy for the position of Chairperson of IEBC and six vacancies for the position of members,” said Mohamed yesterday during the session.
“Further aware that vide gazette notice 715 of January 27, 2025, Ruto appointed members of the selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as Chairperson and members of IEBC. Upon appointment, the panel commenced the recruitment process, longlisted and shortlisted qualified applicants for the positions of Chairperson and members,” he added.
He said that the panel is currently undertaking the
interviews of shortlisted candidates and given the schedule of all shortlisted
applicants, it has inadequate time to conclude the recruitment process.
