The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Tuesday appeared before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) in a crucial session that could shape the future of Kenya’s electoral landscape. The meeting, led by Deputy Commission Secretary for Support Services, Obadiah Keitany, MBS, centered on three pivotal bills: The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024; and the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
With the bills currently at the Committee stage, IEBC presented strong positions on key areas of concern, sparking intense deliberations and raising eyebrows among lawmakers and observers alike.
At the heart of the discussions was the push to refine how candidates are nominated and registered for elections. The Commission emphasized the need to streamline these processes while firmly guarding its constitutional authority to hear and determine pre-election disputes — a mandate it says must remain intact to ensure electoral justice.
The IEBC also called for a review of the election results management system and critical legal timelines. In a move likely to draw attention, it reiterated that the approval and certification of symbols for independent candidates must remain solely under its jurisdiction.
Another flashpoint was the Commission’s concern over recent judicial rulings, which it claims have had a direct impact on key electoral functions, including the mandate of the Dispute Resolution Committee and the enforcement of the Election Code of Conduct.
“These bills present an opportunity to strengthen electoral integrity, but the Commission must be empowered to execute its mandate without unnecessary interference,” Keitany stated during the session.
As Parliament weighs these far-reaching proposals, all eyes are on the unfolding legislative process — one that could redefine how Kenya conducts its elections ahead of the 2027 polls.
