The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in collaboration with the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), conducted a weeklong induction programme in Mombasa to orient its newly appointed Chairperson and Commissioners. The programme was designed to deepen their understanding of the Commission’s legal, institutional, and operational frameworks in preparation for managing key electoral activities.
Led by Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan H. Marjan, MBS, and supported by senior management and subject matter experts, the sessions provided insights into the Commission’s strategic plan, the electoral cycle, and ongoing preparations.
The induction marked a significant milestone in equipping the new leadership with the knowledge and tools to steer the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan H. Marjan, MBS, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Secretariat and himself.
“We warmly welcome our new Commissioners to the larger IEBC family and to this long-overdue workshop. By the end of this program, we trust you will understand both the internal and external operations of the Commission equipping you to discharge your mandate effectively and efficiently.”
He also extended special gratitude to Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), for their unwavering support since 2022.
ELGIA, along with its partners, has remained a steadfast anchor during critical periods of transition. Speaking at the opening of the induction, Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, HSC applauded the professionalism and resilience of the IEBC Secretariat during a transitional period when the Commission operated without members since mid-January 2023. “As Commission staff, you have played a crucial role in advancing democratic governance, electoral reforms, and accountability. There are no better election experts than the Commission staff in our offices today. You are qualified to fulfill the Commission’s vision and mission. Indeed, the work put in by each member of the Secretariat over the years cannot be gainsaid. I personally celebrate you people,” said the Chairperson.
He urged the staff to remain optimistic and focused on a shared vision:
“Let us build a culture of optimism and shared purpose that empowers every member of staff to play a meaningful role in strengthening democracy in Kenya.”
The Chairperson also emphasized the importance of partnerships in building institutional capacity and expressed optimism for continued collaboration with ELGIA:
“We endorse this relationship and hope it becomes more frequent and impactful in the future.” As the Commission positions itself to deliver on its mandate, the induction provided a platform to reflect, strategize, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“We are excited to be here and look forward to gaining firsthand knowledge from the dedicated staff about the business of elections. Elections go beyond voter registration, education, and results. This Programme will help us understand the full scope of electoral work,” the Chairperson concluded.
Both the Chairperson and the Commission Secretary/CEO expressed their deep appreciation to the Induction Committee for their meticulous planning, coordination, and unwavering dedication in delivering a successful induction programme.
The Committee was chaired by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Chrispine Owiye, and comprised members drawn from various directorates within the Commission. Their collaborative efforts ensured a well-structured and insightful programme that addressed key areas of electoral management, governance, and strategic leadership.
The success of the induction reflects the team’s commitment to upholding the Commission’s standards of professionalism and excellence in capacity-building initiatives.