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Diplomats call for impartiality from newly appointed IEBC

Tuesday 15th July, 2025 04:06 PM| By William Muthama

A group of foreign envoys in Kenya has welcomed the appointment of new commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and called on them to uphold impartiality and transparency in fulfilling their mandate.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and shared via the official UK in Kenya X account, the diplomats stressed the importance of the IEBC in guaranteeing free, fair, and credible elections in line with the Constitution of Kenya.

“As Kenya’s longstanding partners and fellow democracies, we affirm the critical role independent institutions play in upholding the provisions of Kenya’s constitution, particularly those guaranteeing free, fair, and credible elections,” the statement read.

Credibility and funding

The envoys urged the newly appointed commissioners to act with professionalism and neutrality in discharging their duties to ensure public trust in the electoral process.

“We trust the new commissioners will carry out their mandate with impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in service to all Kenyans,” they stated.

IEBC commissioners with Chief Justice Martha Koome after their (centre) swearing-in on Friday, June 11, 2025, in Nairobi. PHOTO/Bernard Malonza

In the same breath, the diplomats encouraged the National Assembly and the National Treasury to provide the IEBC with adequate funding to allow it to operate independently and effectively ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Voter registration

Further, the joint statement emphasised the need to ensure all eligible citizens are able to participate in the electoral process.

Statement by the UK in Kenya and other diplomatic missions on the appointment of new IEBC officials. /PHOTO/ a screengrab by K24 Digital from a post on X @UKinKenya

“We urge relevant institutions to take the necessary steps to ensure all eligible citizens can register as voters and participate in the electoral process,” the statement added.

The statement was endorsed by diplomatic missions from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and Switzerland.

The call from Kenya’s international partners comes as the new IEBC team assumes office amid high public expectations for reforms, voter registration drives, and transparent management of future elections.