President Ruto signs NADCO-Backed IEBC Bill into Law at KICC

President William Ruto has approved the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) 2024, supported by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), which introduces a fresh electoral legislation.

The legislation includes, among various provisions, a broader recruitment committee that now incorporates the chairperson and commissioners of the electoral body.

The approval of the IEBC Amendment Bill represents a major milestone in implementing a key suggestion by NADCO.

Ruto emphasized that endorsing this bill clears the path for forming a selection committee responsible for appointing IEBC Commissioners.

Ruto highlighted that the recently approved Bill, which aligns with the NADCO report’s suggestions, will facilitate a restructuring of the IEBC Commission.

This reconfiguration is aimed at empowering the Commission to effectively fulfill its essential electoral duties such as organizing elections and conducting boundary reviews.

Emphasizing the vital role of the IEBC in upholding democracy, Ruto underscored its responsibility to oversee fair and transparent elections across different tiers of governance.

He stressed the importance of managing electoral processes with integrity, efficiency, accuracy, and accountability for a democratic system that is impartial and neutral.

Ruto called on Parliament to quickly implement the remaining suggestions from the NADCO report in order to advance the numerous Bills proposed by the Dialogue committee.

The signing ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and was attended by opposition leader Raila Odinga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Leaders from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalition, who make up the National Dialogue Committee, put forward several legislative proposals in 2024.

These included amendments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, Leader of Opposition Act, and National Government Coordination Act.

Additionally, they proposed amendments to the Elections Act, Statutory Instruments Act, and Political Parties Act.

The NADCO agreement received the support of Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka from the Azimio Coalition and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung wah representing the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.