Charles Nyachae, the nominee for the position of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), appeared before the IEBC Selection Panel in Nairobi on March 24, 2025, and made a strong pledge to restore public trust in the commission.
Nyachae, a seasoned lawyer and governance expert with years of experience in constitutional law, outlined his vision for reforming the IEBC and ensuring that future elections are free, fair, transparent and independent.
During his interview, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the commission’s independence from political influence and enhancing its technological capabilities to ensure accurate and verifiable election results.
Nyachae acknowledged the public’s growing mistrust of the electoral process and vowed to implement reforms that would not only improve the IEBC’s efficiency but also restore faith in its ability to conduct credible elections.
His commitment to transparency, accountability, and increased voter education was central to his presentation to the selection panel.
Nyachae’s career spans several high-profile roles, all of which have equipped him with the experience needed to lead the IEBC. He is perhaps best known for his role as Chairperson of the Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC), a position he held at a crucial time in Kenya’s history.
Nyachae played a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of the 2010 Constitution, a landmark document that aimed to transform Kenya’s governance and legal systems.
His leadership at CIC was instrumental in ensuring that the constitutional provisions were adhered to and effectively applied, despite challenges and opposition from various quarters.
Nyachae also served as a commissioner at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), where he championed human rights, accountability, and governance reforms.
His work at KNCHR focused on advocating for transparency, investigating human rights violations, and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
These roles have provided Nyachae with a deep understanding of the country’s political and legal environment, as well as the challenges facing public institutions like the IEBC.
During his appearance before the IEBC Selection Panel, Nyachae emphasized that his main priority, if confirmed as IEBC Chairperson, would be to restore the commission’s credibility and public trust.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted concerns about the IEBC’s independence and the recurring controversies that have plagued Kenya’s electoral process in recent years.
Nyachae proposed a series of reforms aimed at addressing these issues.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the IEBC’s independence from political influence, ensuring that the commission remains a neutral and impartial body.
“The IEBC must be allowed to operate freely without external interference,” he told the panel.
He noted that maintaining the commission’s autonomy is critical for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and the confidence of Kenyan citizens.
One of Nyachae’s key proposals was the modernization of the IEBC’s technological infrastructure.
He called for the adoption of advanced technology to improve the accuracy and transparency of election results.
Nyachae stressed the need for reliable digital systems that would ensure that vote tallying is both fast and accurate, reducing the risk of errors or manipulation.
“We must use technology to ensure that every vote counts and that results are accurate and easily verifiable,” he explained.
Nyachae also emphasized the importance of voter education.
He proposed more robust programs aimed at educating the public about the electoral process, the importance of voting, and how to navigate the complexities of elections.
He noted that voter apathy has been a challenge in past elections, and addressing this issue through comprehensive civic education would lead to greater participation and a more informed electorate.
Another issue Nyachae addressed was the need for an effective and transparent mechanism to resolve electoral disputes.
He acknowledged that the prolonged election-related court cases and contested results have often undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
To combat this, he proposed enhancing the capacity of the IEBC to handle electoral complaints in a timely and fair manner, working closely with the judiciary and other relevant institutions.
Nyachae also advocated for a more transparent election monitoring process, with an emphasis on involving civil society organizations, political parties, and international observers in overseeing the elections.
“The IEBC must engage all stakeholders in ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” he said.
Nyachae’s vision for the IEBC extends beyond just overseeing elections.
He underscored the importance of fostering long-term reforms that would ensure the continued integrity of the commission and strengthen Kenya’s democracy.
He pointed out that the IEBC must be adaptable, responsive to challenges, and committed to continuous improvement.
Having been nominated for the post, Nyachae faces a critical task ahead. If confirmed as IEBC Chairperson, he would oversee the commission during a critical period, with Kenya’s next general elections just around the corner.
His experience in law and governance, combined with his focus on reform and transparency, has made him a leading candidate for the role.
