BBI recommends IEBC officials exit before 2022 polls

Recommends recruitment of new commissioners, the current ones to exit.

In Summary

•The committee suggested that there should be clear and proper induction of the new commissioners' responsibilities and management of elections in general.

•"They are to be given a thorough grounding in matters of corporate governance as it relates to IEBC and the relationship between the commissioners and the secretariat in particular."

IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati addressing the media during the scrutinizing of the Punguza mizigo signatures at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development headquarters in Nairobi,June 11th 2019.
IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati addressing the media during the scrutinizing of the Punguza mizigo signatures at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development headquarters in Nairobi,June 11th 2019.
Image: Douglas Okiddy

The report by the BBI steering committee suggests Kenya gets new IEBC commissioners before 2022.

The report was on Wednesday handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga at the Kisii State House Lodge.

The task force recommends the recruitment of new commissioners ahead of the 2022 General Election, saying the move will strengthen faith in IEBC.

 

The committee suggested that there should be clear and proper induction of the new commissioners' responsibilities and management of elections in general.

"They are to be given a thorough grounding in matters of corporate governance as it relates to IEBC and the relationship between the commissioners and the secretariat in particular."

Also, the committee has suggested that the commission's staff should be recruited on a three-year term contract which is renewable once, based on their performance.

The current commissioners can help in implementing the suggested reforms by putting up structures in place as well as exiting office voluntarily.

The committee wants Returning Officers to be recruited using a similar method used in appointing the commissioners including public participation.

Also, the returning officers should be contracted on a part-time basis, and should not oversee more than one General Election.

It also suggests that the current senior members of the commission should be vetted and their titles reviewed from the director to lower titles such as heads of departments.

 

The committee has said that the composition of the commission should reflect the face of Kenya at all levels.

"There should be clear guidelines and rules on gender representation and inclusivity."

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