National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to expedite the recruitment process.
In a statement on Monday, he noted that the mandate of recruiting the nominees for appointment as the chairperson and members of the IEBC is of huge national importance.
“Noting this is a matter of huge national importance, I urge the Selection Panel to expedite and conclude the recruitment process of the IEBC commissioners, at the earliest available opportunity in accordance with the law,” he said.
He further directed Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Jeremiah Nyegenye to facilitate the work of the IEBC selection panel in line with the law.
Wetang’ula noted that the law obligates the Commission to provide secretariat services, and facilities and cover the expenses related to the operations of the selection panel.
“I have communicated to the Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to facilitate the work of the Panel as obligated by the law,” he said.
His directive to Nyegenye comes shortly after President William Ruto gazetted nine members of the selection panel.
They are Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman.
The panel operates under the legal framework provided by Article 250 of the Constitution, as well as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, which outlines the procedures for the appointment of commissioners.
The panel's role is crucial in ensuring that the IEBC is led by commissioners who are impartial, qualified and capable of conducting free and fair elections.
It ensures that there is public awareness of the vacancies for IEBC commissioners, reviews applications and shortlists qualified candidates who meet the necessary criteria set out in the law.
The panel also conducts interviews to assess the suitability of candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and integrity.
Further, it recommends appointments, after the completion of the interview process, by submitting a list of suitable candidates to the President for nomination and subsequent approval by the National Assembly.
