Kenya Insights

Tag: Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC)

  • Meet Fahima Araphat: The Youngest IEBC Vice Chair At 33

    Meet Fahima Araphat: The Youngest IEBC Vice Chair At 33

    Breaking barriers from Lamu’s shores to Kenya’s electoral commission

    In a historic moment for Kenya’s electoral landscape, Fahima Araphat Abdallah has shattered age and gender barriers to become the youngest Vice Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at just 33 years old.

    The daughter of Lamu’s coastal community was sworn into office on July 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone not just for her personal journey, but for representation of marginalized communities in Kenya’s top electoral body.

    Fahima’s story begins in the scenic village of Shela in Lamu County, where she was born in 1992.

    Growing up in a patriarchal society that traditionally prioritized boys’ education over girls’, her rise to national prominence represents a triumph over societal expectations and geographical limitations.

    “I know it is not easy to make it this far, especially coming from a small marginalized community at the far end of Kenya,” acknowledged JLAC committee member Zulekha Harun during Fahima’s parliamentary vetting.

    “You are an inspiration to many girls and ladies all over this country.”

    Fahima’s educational journey took her from Lamu to Nairobi’s premier institutions.

    She graduated from Kenyatta University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, before pursuing a master’s degree in project planning at the University of Nairobi.

    Her career trajectory was swift and impressive.

    Immediately after graduation, she was absorbed into Kenya’s devolved government system, serving as ward administrator for her hometown of Shela from 2014 to 2017.

    This grassroots experience would prove invaluable in her understanding of local governance and community needs.

    A Rapid Rise Through County Government

    In 2017, as Kenya’s devolution entered its second term, Fahima’s capabilities were recognized with her promotion to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in Lamu County.

    Despite her young age, she demonstrated remarkable versatility, serving across multiple critical dockets including:

    • Lands and infrastructure
    • Energy and finance
    • Economic planning and tourism
    • Trade, investment, and industrialization
    • Agriculture, fisheries, and livestock
    • Cooperatives and blue economy

    This diverse portfolio gave her comprehensive exposure to governance challenges and solutions across multiple sectors – experience that would later impress the parliamentary committee reviewing her IEBC nomination.

    During her appearance before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Fahima demonstrated the poise and expertise that had marked her career.

    Committee members were visibly impressed by her ability to handle complex questions with ease and articulate her vision for Kenya’s electoral future.

    Her presentation highlighted not just her technical qualifications, but her understanding of the unique challenges facing Kenya’s electoral system.

    “I have gained enough experience that will enable me to hold this national position at this juncture,” she confidently told the committee.

    Fahima’s election as IEBC Vice Chairperson represents several firsts: she brings youth perspective to an institution often dominated by older voices, represents coastal and marginalized communities in national leadership, and demonstrates that geographic origin need not limit one’s aspirations.

    Her journey from Lamu County’s public service board to the second-highest position in Kenya’s electoral commission sends a powerful message to young Kenyans, particularly young women from marginalized communities, that leadership positions are attainable regardless of background.

    As the IEBC reconstitutes after a two-year delay, Fahima joins the commission at a crucial time. With her extensive experience in governance, project planning, and public service, she brings fresh perspectives to an institution tasked with safeguarding Kenya’s democratic processes.

    Her appointment comes as the commission faces pressure to “hit the ground running” and prepare for upcoming electoral activities.

    Chief Justice Martha Koome recently emphasized the urgency of the commission’s work, making Fahima’s leadership role even more significant.

    Fahima Araphat’s rise from the shores of Shela to the corridors of Kenya’s electoral power represents more than personal achievement – it symbolizes the democratic promise that talent and dedication can overcome traditional barriers of age, gender, and geography.

    As she settles into her new role, Fahima carries with her not just the hopes of her Lamu community, but the aspirations of countless young Kenyans who see in her story proof that their own dreams of leadership are achievable.

    At 33, she may be the youngest to hold this position, but her track record suggests she possesses the wisdom and experience to help guide Kenya’s electoral future.

    Her story reminds us that sometimes the most transformative leaders come from the most unexpected places – like a small village by the sea, where a young girl dared to dream beyond society’s limitations.

    The IEBC commissioners were sworn in following their approval by Parliament, ending a two-year period without a fully constituted electoral commission.

  • The 6 Parliamentary By-Elections That Will Test The Integrity of The New IEBC

    The 6 Parliamentary By-Elections That Will Test The Integrity of The New IEBC

    NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 12 – The newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing its first major test following the its assumption on Friday as six National Assembly seats and one Senate seat remain vacant.

    While the swearing-in of a new Chairperson and six commissioners signaled hope, focus shifts to the Commission as thousands of unrepresented voters await by-elections in their respective constituencies.

    The Commission, chaired by Edung Ethekon, was formally sworn in at the Supreme Court in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, marking the end of a prolonged leadership vacuum at the electoral agency.

    The IEBC had operated without a fully constituted Commission since early 2023.

    With the team now in place, attention has turned to the urgent task of organizing by-elections in the six constituencies and one senatorial post that have fallen vacant since 2023.

    Article 101 of the Constitution requires that a by-election be held within ninety days of the official declaration of a vacancy in the National Assembly.

    However, the IEBC’s inability to operate during its leadership hiatus led to prolonged delays.

    With the Commission now fully constituted, preparations for the overdue by-elections are expected to begin.

    In Magarini Constituency, Harrison Kombe’s election as MP in August 2022 was nullified by the High Court due to irregularities.

    The Court of Appeal upheld the ruling on May 31, 2024, officially vacating the seat. Magarini, home to nearly 177,000 residents across eight wards in Kilifi County, has remained without a representative since the court’s ruling.

    Election schedules

    In Banisa Constituency, the seat became vacant in March 2023 following the death of MP Kullow Hassan Aden in a road traffic accident.

    Located in Mandera County, Banisa has remained unrepresented for over two years.

    Ugunja Constituency fell vacant following the resignation of long-serving MP Opiyo Wandayi in July 2024 after his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. The seat has remained unfilled since his mid-term departure.

    Malava Constituency became vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi in February 2025 after a short illness, prompting the need for a by-election.

    Geoffrey Ruku, now Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, vacated his parliamentary seat in April 2025 following his appointment to the Executive. The seat awaits official gazettement ahead of a by-election.

    In Kasipul Constituency, MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on April 30, 2025, while stopped at a traffic light on Ngong Road in Nairobi, leaving the seat vacant.

    A senatorial seat also became vacant in Baringo County following the death of Senator William Kipkorir Cheptumo in February 2025.

    Cheptumo, who had also served as Chairperson of the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, passed away at the age of 57 after a short illness.

    Political parties are expected to begin preparing for the upcoming contests in the six constituencies and the senatorial seat once the vacancies are officially gazetted and by-election dates scheduled.

    With its leadership crisis now resolved, the IEBC is also expected to resume other critical functions, including continuous voter registration, the constitutionally mandated review of constituency boundaries, and preparations for the highly anticipated 2027 General Election.

  • Live Python, Threats And Stolen Documents, Puzzle In The Murder Of Kilifi’s IEBC Official

    Live Python, Threats And Stolen Documents, Puzzle In The Murder Of Kilifi’s IEBC Official

    A senior Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officer in Kilifi county was attacked and killed at her Utange home in Mombasa, in a bizarre incident that left residents in shock.

    Two assailants are reported to have gained unauthorised access to the Utange residence of the officer Aisha Akinyi Abubakar, where they unleashed a brutal attack on her leaving her for the dead.

    Her 18-year-old son, Khasim Hassan, also sustained injuries and is currently hospitalised in stable condition at Premier Hospital, Nyali.

    In a bizarre twist to the mystery, the attackers allegedly left a live python outside Abubakar’s doorstep in the 3am attack.

    A relative disclosed, under the condition of anonymity, that detectives removed the snake upon arrival at the scene. However, its significance and whereabouts remain unknown.

    “We are still trying to understand why a snake was left at her doorstep and what it might symbolise,” the relative said.

    Reports have surfaced that prior to the attack, Abubakar had received several threats shortly after her recent promotion to the county’s IEBC office.

    Although she was yet to report the matter, she allegedly shared the information with her family.

    According to family, the deceased had planned to report the threats today (Monday).

    Mombasa Police Commander Peter Kimani confirmed that two individuals entered the house through a kitchen window early Sunday morning.

    The attackers, one who was hooded with a mask and armed with a crowbar and another welding a knife, launched the vicious assault on the 48-year-old, leaving her with multiple stab wounds and deep cuts above her right eye.

    They also took away several electronic items, including a television, mobile devices, and an iPad, before leaving.

    Abubakar, who resided in Mombasa and worked in Kilifi, succumbed shortly after being rushed to hospital by her son Hassan, who is also recuperating at the facility.

    Unclear motive

    According to Kimani, when Hassan responded to his mother’s distress calls, he was also attacked by the robbers.

    He suffered injuries on the head and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit.

    Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was deliberate, although the motive is still unclear.

    “This is a tragic event. Initial findings indicate that the victims were specifically targeted. We are pursuing multiple leads and working to uncover the full details,” Kimani stated.

    Security in the area has been heightened, with additional officers deployed to assist in the ongoing investigations. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide team is actively gathering evidence from the site.

    Kimani expressed condolences to the bereaved family, assuring the public of a comprehensive investigation.

    “We ask for patience and calm as detectives work diligently to resolve this matter. The family needs space to mourn, and we will provide detailed updates once our inquiries are complete,” he said.

    The tragic passing of Aisha Akinyi Abubakar has left many seeking answers even as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to her demise.

  • EACC Arrests Senior IEBC Official Over Fake Academic Papers

    EACC Arrests Senior IEBC Official Over Fake Academic Papers

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Monday morning arrested a senior official of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), who forged her academic certificates and used the same to secure employment at the electoral body on 4th April 2012.

    EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed that Caroline Sabiri Manyange, Manager for Boundaries Delimitation, was arrested at her home in Nairobi West and escorted to EACC Integrity Centre Police Station, where she is currently held for processing to be arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court today (Monday).

    Investigations established that Caroline Sabiri Manyange forged a Master of Arts (Population Studies) degree certificate, purporting it to be a genuine certificate awarded by the University of Nairobi on 9th May 2004, and subsequently used the same to obtain a promotion at IEBC, thereby earning a cumulative salary and benefits amounting to over Ksh37 million, which constitutes fraudulent acquisition of public property.

    The official was apprehended after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concurred with the recommendations of EACC that she be charged with the offences of forgery, contrary to section 345 as read with section 349 of the Penal Code, and uttering a false document, contrary to section 353 of the Penal Code.

    Further to the criminal prosecution, EACC will proceed to file civil proceedings in court to recover all the salaries and benefits amounting to over Ksh37 million earned by the accused person on the basis of fake academic qualifications.

  • Graft: Petition Filed To Block Issack Hassan’s Appointment As Court Of Appeal Judge Over Chickengate Scandal

    Graft: Petition Filed To Block Issack Hassan’s Appointment As Court Of Appeal Judge Over Chickengate Scandal

    A Kenyan living in the US has filed a petition seeking to block former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) from being appointed as a Court of Appeal judge in a position that he has applied for over links to corruption.

    Peter Makori, has lodged a petition with Judicial Service Commission (JSC) against Issack Ahmed Hassan saying the former IEBC lacks both moral and ethical standing to hold a distinguished position as that of a judge.

    Mr. Makora has claimed in the petition that one of the most stinking scandals to ever hit the commission christened ‘chickengate’ had happened under his watch when he was the chairman and insists that back stops with him even if he was not charged and convicted of the crime.

    While Mr. Hassan has repeatedly denied any involvement in the rogue deal, the petitioner insists that doesn’t absolve him of wrongdoing and taking responsibility for the scam that happened under his watch.

    He adds that the former electoral body boss was adversely mentioned in the scandal involving two directors at London-based Smith and Ousman.

    Chickengate

    The scandal was christened Chickengate because of the local conduit, Trevy James Oyombra, tasked with dishing out the bribe, had condemned the bribe money ‘chicken’ in correspondences with the UK paymasters.

    The two British directors, Nicholas and Christopher Smith were charged and convicted of bribing IEBC officials with Sh50 million in order to sway them into awarding their firm the multibillion shilling tender ahead of the 2012 general elections.

    “When the Chickengate scandal was exposed in London, British authorities moved in with speed and apprehended all the actors of British origin, prosecuted and imprisoned them. However, despite the British authorities providing evidence of impropriety involving the Kenyan commissioners and officials..many were let go except for a few who were not lucky,” Makori says in the petition.

    He insists Hassan who was amongst the commissioners adversely mentioned in the scam, cannot claim innocence on the basis of not been charged with the crime.

    He claims Hassan lacks integrity and moral authority to serve as a judge in Kenya or anywhere else.

    “Mr. Hassan does not meet the slightest integrity threshold to be interviewed for the position of the judge of Court of Appeal.” Makori said.

    “If he gets a bid from JSC to serve as a judge, it will not only be an atrocious insult to Kenyans but also go along way to degrade the integrity of the Judiciary.”

  • Voter Registration Lowest In History, Youths Have Kept Off

    Voter Registration Lowest In History, Youths Have Kept Off

    Young Kenyans blame the Jubilee ruling party for having failed to deliver the one million jobs, the 500,000 affordable houses, new stadiums in each county and free laptops in primary schools as promised during campaigns.

    With only a few days to go before the IEBC mass registration exercise comes to an end, a paltry 750,000 people have been registered as new voters countrywide, this is out of a projected 8 million people.  Kenyans below 30 years of age make up 80 per cent of the 50 million population, yet they have simply refused to register.

    This becomes the lowest mass registration exercise since the return of multi-party elections in 1992. A survey at IEBC registration centres revealed little or no activity as the youth kept off. IEBC clerks sat idle some busy on their phones or playing games.

    The IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati is blaming voter apathy for the slow pace in registration but is optimistic they will show up on the closing day. Many warn he could be in for a long disappointing wait as frustrated jobless youth appear to have decided enough is enough.

    Jubilee party failed to deliver the one million jobs, 500,000 affordable housing, new stadiums in each county and free laptops in primary schools promised during their campaigns.  The same jubilee government they say has used trigger-happy police officers to kill them daily “like rabid dogs!”

    Mysterious disappearances of people who turn up brutally murdered have raised concern across the country. A “hit squad” within the police force is being blamed for the killings whose investigations go nowhere! “After killing us and not giving us jobs they now want our votes”, several groups of youth told The Weekly Vision Online.

    When reminded by some anchors on call-in radio stations that failing to vote could see “bad” leaders emerge, some asked, “At what stage of our lives has political leaders in Kenya ever been reliable?”

    The low voter registration turnout has alarmed Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Both presidential front-runners are banking on a critical block of support from young Kenyans. DP Ruto dangling the “hustler” gospel expects mostly young people below 30 to back his drive to become Kenya’s 5th president.

    So is Raila Odinga who has promised Khs. 6,000 to unemployed young people each month if elected president! But the youth do not seem to be buying into this at all! Many say it’s the usual “lies” immediately forgotten once the leaders assume office! The IEBC chairman Chebukati and his team have been accused of failing to anticipate the situation.

    IEBC should have conducted civic education using the massive Ksh. 40b allocated, they say. It would then have been able to read the public mood correctly and mitigate early enough. August 2022, they predict could see one of the lowest voter turn-outs in the country’s history.

    It would also make it difficult for an easy 50+ 1 victory for presidential contenders. This would set the stage for a gruelling run-off.  The exercise that closes on November 2 2021 cannot be extended, Wafula Chebukati insists.

  • SH1B Ballot Tender War Rocks IEBC

    SH1B Ballot Tender War Rocks IEBC

    A row has erupted at the electoral agency over a plan to award Greek firm Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA a Sh1 billion tender to print next year’s general election ballot papers.

    Just a day after the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) tender committee picked Lykos, insiders now point to a vicious fight that has sucked in Commission staff and some of the bidders.

    Already, an explosive e-mail has been circulated pointing at alleged irregularities in the procurement process.

    The e-mail signed by a man, who identifies himself as N Githinji accuses a senior IEBC staff of colluding with Lykos to clinch the tender while locking out other more qualified bidders.

    A decision to award the Greek firm the tender has also once again dashed the hopes of local firms that had hoped that the commission will heed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s call to promote local businesses.

    IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati downplayed the storm yesterday, saying the tender has not been officially awarded and thus the commission was not fully briefed as this was an ongoing exercise.

    “The procurement process is still ongoing and no report has been made to me or the Commission Plenary to date,” Chebukati said.

    He noted that the IEBC secretariat led by Marjan Hussein Marjan will issue a response on the allegations.  By the time of filing the story, Marjan was yet to issue a statement or respond to our inquiry.

    In the email copied to all IEBC commissioners and 12 bidders who applied for the tender, Githinji claims that most of the staff who travelled to Greece to conduct due diligence did not include individuals with technical knowhow including experts from Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs).

    Those who travelled to Athens include Silas Njeru – Chairman (from IT department), Abdidahir Abdi – member (voter registration and elections), B Lewa – member (IT department, Miss Victoria – member (finance), Miss Elizabeth Abegi – Member (Procurement) and Gideon Balang – member (Elections).

    He further claims that IEBC did not use the official channels in dispatching the due diligence team to Greece but rather used a private entity to arrange the tickets and accommodation.

    It has also emerged that a representative of the Greek firm Khalid Moulalbab, who is the Regional Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa for Inform-Lykos and based in Dubai, worked formerly with Al Ghurair of Dubai that printed 2017 ballot papers.

    Past connections 

    He worked as a Sales and Marketing Manager for Al Ghurair before moving to Lykos suggesting that he could have used his past connections to sway the tender in favour of the latter firm.

    There are also claims IEBC deliberately delayed to send the notification to bidders by mail and instead sued post, which may lock out disgruntled bidders from appealing the decision.

    Following an evaluation process, the commission has settled on Greece based Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA at €7,172.85 (about Sh925 million) at the exchange rate of Sh129.

    The amount according to estimates may rise to Sh2.8 billion if Inform Lykos (HELLAS) SA that beat 12 other firms to emerge as the lowest evaluated bidder signs the deal.

     They include Al Ghurair Printing that was controversially awarded the same tender for the 2017 General Election.

    According to the tender report, Al Ghurair Printing was knocked out at the technical stage for failing to meet the 40 per cent local content plan. It’s not clear if Lykos that does not have a local address has picked a local partner to meet the threshold of 40 per cent local content.

    Others who lost include UK’s Go Inspire Solutions $7,392.71 (about Sh813 million) for failing submit notarised/certified audited accounts for 2018/19, South Africa’s Uniprint PTY ltd that did not indicate its price,  Ghanaian Aerovote Security Print and Electoral Supply, UAE’s Masar printing and publishing and Dubai’s United Printing Publishing LLC, UAE.

    Others UK’s Tall Security Print Limited that had quoted £3889.1 (about Sh580 million) that was knocked out for failing of provide ISO certification, Kenya’s Africa Infrastructure Development Company that failed to submit duly filled forms, India’s Seshaasai Business forms PVT Ltd that failed to duly fill the local content plan form and Kenyan firm Kwanginsa Co Ltd that filed to include tender security of Sh20 million.

    Aggrieved bidder 

    Local form Ellams Products that was said to be one of the most qualified was locked out on grounds of failing to provide notarised/certified copies of ISO certification.

    The tender was opened on 10th September 2021 at Anniversary Towers. The Committed was chaired by Jacktone Nyonje while Samson Matilu was listed as secretary and Benjamin Kimwei, Helen Kahindi and Boniface Gathee as members.

    Already the bidders have received their regret letters with sources indicating that one of the international bidders is palling to contest the award at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB).

    “The commission hereby, regrets to inform you that your tender was unsuccessful for failure to submit a notarised/certified ISO certificate or its equivalent for security printing for a recognised authority,” a regret letter sent to one of international bidders reads in part.

    Marjan in his regret letter dated October 14, 2021 has asked the unsuccessful bidders to seek debriefing during the notification period or submit a procurement complaint at the PPARB.

    According to its website, Lykos  (HELLAS) SA is located in Koropi, Greece and is part of the Printing and Related Support Activities Industry and has 170 employees at this location and generates $33.41 million in sales. There are 17 companies in the INFORM LYKOS (HELLAS) SA corporate family.

    In 2017, IEBC picked Al Ghurair for the lucrative deal, a move that saw several cases filed in court almost threatening to derail the then presidential election.

    The tender is titled; Supply and Delivery of Ballot Papers; Register of Voters; Statutory Election Result Declaration Forms to be used at the Polling Station; Election and Referendum Result Declaration Forms to be used at the Constituency, County and National Tallying Centre

    If dissatisfied bidders opt to contest the award, then the country is likely to witness once again fierce fight for the lucrative deal that almost derailed elections in 2017 as the court nullified the tender awarded to Al Ghurair.