Crisis at IEBC: Delay in Hiring Directors and Managers Sparks Public Concern

Crisis at IEBC:

Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is on the clock and the stakes couldn’t be complex. With only months left before the 2025 general elections, the urgent recruitment of new IEBC directors and managers is fast becoming a National emergency.

The failure to fill these critical leadership vacancies is threatening electoral preparedness, undermining public belief and drawing scrutiny from Parliament, civil culture and International observers.

Why the IEBC Hiring Crisis Matters Now

The IEBC Kenya’s constitutional body mandated to oversee elections and manage electoral boundaries is working under significant institutional stress. Senior vacancies, especially at manager and mid-management levels, are stalling critical arrangement purposes ahead of the 2025 elections.

Key Reasons for the Urgency:

• Coming General Elections (2025): Preparations require a fully staffed and functional secretariat.
• Constitutional & Legal Deadlines: IEBC must meet timelines on supporter registration, delimitation and audit procedures.
• Guidance Vacuum: Recent resignations, period expirations and restructuring struggles have missing the body understaffed.
• Operational Paralysis: Without managers and executives, key departments lack strategic control.

Inside the IEBC’s Present Recruitment Drive

The Command has advertised over 20 leadership roles, with:

• Directors of ICT, Lawful Affairs, Electoral Operations and Voter Education
• County level and local managers
• Heads of Planning, Procurement and Ethics & Obedience

These appointments are central to restoring IEBC’s official credibility and operational readiness.

“The country can’t afford extra electoral crisis due to leadership breaks at the Commission,” says Dr. Nelson Makanda, chair of the IEBC selection panel.

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What’s at Stake? From Ballot Boxes to Stability

Implications of Delayed Appointments:

• Election Planning Disruptions: From procurement to logistics, every delay risks derailing timelines.
• Constitutional Breaches: Mandated deadlines for border reviews and record verification are in jeopardy.
• Community Faith and Credibility: Supporters lose confidence in a dysfunctional electoral body.
• International Attention: Diplomats and election viewers are carefully checking Kenya’s electoral readiness.

Political, Legal & Civil Society Pressure Mounts

Kenyan MPs, civil society organizations and media watchdogs are threatening of a looming governance crisis. The Parliament Justice and Legal Affairs Group (JLAC) has urged the executive to fast-track IEBC appointments, especially with President William Ruto’s administration keen on showcasing electoral reforms.

“You can’t have a credible election if the judge is missing key officials,” said JLAC Chairperson George Murugara.

Timeline: What Must Happen Before 2025 Elections

Key Roles Currently Vacant

• Director – Legal & Public Affairs
• Director – ICT & Innovations
• County IEBC Managers (All 47 Counties)
• Manager – Electoral Planning
• Head of Procurement & Supply Chain

These are not just jobs they are the backbone of electoral stability in Kenya’s democratic transition.

What Kenyans Are Saying

“We want transparency, not final moment rushes,” Civil society representative, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)
“Delays raise red Flags on political interference,” Political analyst at UoN
“IEBC must accept a professional, merit based approach immediately,” IEBC former Commissioner

Lessons from 2017 & 2022: Don’t Repeat Past Mistakes

Similarly the 2017 and 2022 elections were marred by public concern over IEBC organization gaps and last-minute logistical hurdles. This time, Kenyans imagine better and rightly so.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Urgent, Transparent Action

The IEBC’s Management vacuum is more than an HR problem it’s a National integrity disaster. Kenyans deserve a Commission that is fully staffed, independent and clear ahead of the 2025 presidential polls.