In a significant step towards enhancing Kenya’s electoral management system, President William Ruto has signed the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law. The signing ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s commitment to electoral integrity and transparency.
The IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 is the first legislation to be passed by Parliament based on the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Democratic Operations (NADCO) report. This landmark bill aims to address longstanding issues within the electoral process, ensuring a more efficient and reliable system for future elections.
President Ruto, speaking at the signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of the new law in strengthening democracy and fostering public trust in the electoral process. “This amendment is a crucial step towards ensuring that our electoral system is robust, transparent, and capable of delivering free and fair elections. It reflects our commitment to upholding democratic principles and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders,” he stated.
The IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 introduces several key reforms, including the implementation of advanced technological systems for voter registration and results transmission, enhanced training and capacity building for electoral officials, and stricter measures to prevent electoral malpractices. These changes are expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the electoral process, thereby enhancing the overall credibility of elections in Kenya.
Parliament’s swift action in passing the bill underscores the broad support for electoral reforms across the political spectrum. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have hailed the bill as a positive step towards ensuring the integrity of Kenya’s democratic process.
The NADCO report, which formed the basis for the bill, was the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and international electoral experts. The report highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to address challenges such as voter registration irregularities, delays in results transmission, and inadequate training of electoral personnel.
As the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 becomes law, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will begin the implementation process, with a focus on preparing for the upcoming elections. The commission has expressed its readiness to adopt the new measures and ensure their effective application.
The enactment of the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s democratic journey. With these reforms in place, the country is poised to build a more transparent, accountable, and resilient electoral system that can withstand the challenges of modern democracy.
