Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is an autonomous regulatory agency established under the Constitution of Kenya in 2011. Its primary mandate is to oversee and conduct referendums and elections for various elective positions as outlined in the Constitution and other legislative acts. Key responsibilities of the IEBC include the continuous registration of voters, regular updates and revisions of the voter register, delimitation of electoral boundaries such as constituencies and wards, regulation of political party processes, resolution of electoral disputes, registration of candidates for elections, voter education initiatives, facilitation of election observation and monitoring, regulation of campaign financing, development of codes of conduct for candidates and political parties, and ensuring compliance with electoral laws during the nomination processes.

The Commission comprises seven commissioners and a Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as the Commission Secretary. Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly, each serving a six-year term. To maintain impartiality, commissioners are prohibited from holding membership in any political party. Official actions by the Commission require a minimum of four affirmative votes.

The IEBC maintains offices in every constituency and county across Kenya to facilitate its operations. Since its inception, the Commission has conducted several general elections, as well as various by-elections. The IEBC also plays a crucial role in delineating electoral boundaries, a process that has seen the number of constituencies increase from 117 at independence to 290 in 2013. These boundary reviews are mandated to occur at intervals of between eight and twelve years to reflect population changes and ensure equitable representation.

In its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the IEBC engages in continuous voter education and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance the electoral process. The Commission also addresses electoral disputes and ensures adherence to electoral laws and regulations, thereby upholding the integrity of Kenya's democratic processes.

For more detailed information about the IEBC's mandate, structure, and activities, please visit their official website: http://www.iebc.or.ke