Delays in hiring new IEBC commissioners put creation of new constituencies in doubt
Wetang'ula urged MPs to rally behind the IEBC once the new commissioners are in place, as their role is critical in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The possibility of creating new constituencies in time for Kenya's 2027 General Election is looking increasingly unlikely due to delays in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
This concern was raised during the ongoing mid-term retreat for Members of Parliament in Naivasha on Tuesday.
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula voiced his apprehension that the delayed reconstitution of IEBC could hamper the boundary delimitation process, which is vital for ensuring fair and accurate representation in the upcoming election.
"The delay in the reconstitution of IEBC has stalled crucial activities, including boundary delimitation, which is vital for the country's electoral system, as well as the timely conducting of by-elections in constituencies and wards that have experienced vacancies," Wetang'ula said.
He added that this could make it impossible to create new constituencies to increase the current 290 ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wetang'ula urged MPs to rally behind the IEBC once the new commissioners are in place, as their role is critical in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Constituency boundaries
The law mandates that the IEBC must review constituency boundaries every eight to twelve years, with the review completed at least 12 months before a General Election.
However, this review process is now at risk of being delayed due to the ongoing standoff in appointing new commissioners.
"The IEBC selection panel must act swiftly and transparently to ensure that the commission is reconstituted. This will allow the people of Kenya to have full representation in Parliament and their local wards," Wetang'ula said.
Echoing these concerns, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah highlighted the widespread unease over the delay in reconstituting the IEBC.
He called on the selection panel to expedite the process of appointing commissioners with high levels of integrity.
If the selection panel moves quickly, the IEBC could be fully reconstituted within three months.
Led by secretariat
Since the term of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and other commissioners ended in January 2023, the commission has been led by a secretariat, headed by CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.
However, the secretariat's powers are limited to routine functions, such as staff training and procurement of non-strategic materials, leaving it unable to handle more critical tasks like boundary reviews or by-elections.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Narc Kenya's Martha Karua, have been vocal in demanding the appointment of new commissioners.
Public outcry on social media has also called for the swift reconstitution of the IEBC to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Last year, Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a introduced a Bill to prevent the scrapping of more than 40 constituencies that do not meet the required population threshold.
The Bill is part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges of constituency boundaries and representation.
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