The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has commended commissioner Ann Nderitu for her leadership and the many reforms she championed during her tenure at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) at a special lunch to see her off.

Taking it to their X handle on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the IEBC has noted that in a farewell luncheon hosted by the ORPP on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) gathered to honour Nderitu’s institutional reforms, professionalism, and her role in building Kenya’s political party systems.

“@IEBCKenya Commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu was hosted for a heartfelt farewell luncheon in honour of her exemplary service at @ORPPKenya. The ORPP team paid tribute to her exceptional leadership, institutional reforms, and lasting contribution to building strong, credible, and inclusive political party systems,” the IEBC noted.

During the event, Moses Sunkuli, OGW, acting commission secretary/CEO of IEBC, acknowledged Dr Nderitu’s unwavering leadership and strong institutional focus. He noted her appointment to the commission as timely and important for the future of elections in Kenya.

Sunkuli praised her collaborative style of leadership, integrity and commitment to ensuring institutional purpose was at the forefront of decision-making, while also recognising the sacrifice of family and colleagues who have supported her in her public service career.

In his remarks, John C. Lorionokou, Chairperson of IEBC, thanked staff, partners and international partners for the role they have played in the transformation of ORPP into an institution of choice and credentials.

In her remarks, Nderitu spoke of a journey marked by discipline, resilience and dedication to leave institutions better than they were. She said that much public service is done behind the scenes and relies on collaboration and sacrifice to achieve results and urged leaders to always remain committed to strengthening inclusive and sustainable democracy.

Ann joins IEBC

On Tuesday, 10 October 2026, President Ruto appointed Ann Nderitu as a commissioner to the IEBC alongside 5 others and the IEBC chairperson to fill in the vacant positions in the commission in a notice—Gazette Notice No. 7725—to serve for a term of six years.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 250 (2) as read with section 5 (2) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint—Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Atua Mukhwana, Mary Karen, Hasan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah to be members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for a period of six (6) years,” the gazette added.

Ann’s tenure lapse at ORPP

Ann Nderitu exited at ORPP after her term ended in July 2025, and subsequently, John Cox Lorionokou officially took over as the new Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Kenya, following his appointment by President William Ruto for a six-year term. He took the oath of office on October 13, 2025, taking over from Sophia Sitati, who had been acting in the role.

The luncheon also honoured Ali Surraw, the former deputy registrar of ORPP, who is now the chief executive officer of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. His inclusion marked a symbolic handover and continuation of leadership in public service, embodying the institutional culture fostered under Nderitu’s leadership.