Boundary Delimitation Looms As Selection Of IEBC Kicks Off

The process of boundary delimitation is expected to be done immediately after the installment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.

The process of appointing new IEBC commissioners is underway

The review of boundaries will focus more on constituencies with population changes. According to the 2010 constitution, a constituency must have a minimum of approximately 164,137 people to retain its status.

Also Read: List of constituencies without MPs

According to the constitution Article 89, the IEBC is required to review the names and boundaries of constituencies at intervals of not less than eight years and not more than twelve years. However, the country is still on the 2012 delimitation.

The absence of commissioners since January 2023 has made it difficult for the process to be conducted as expected.

Constituencies in rural arid and semi-arid regions that have been reporting population decline risk underrepresentation once again if the delay in boundary delimitation persists.

These constituencies include Othaya, Ndaragwa, Budalangi, Vihiga, Voi, Wundanyi, Mwatate, Galole, Bura, Isiolo South, Samburu East, Laisamis, North Horr, Saku, Kilome, Mukurweini, Mbeere North, Mathioya, Kangema, Marakwet East, Keiyo North, Tetu, Mogotio, Lamu East, Lamu West and Mvita.

During a midterm retreat for Members of the National Assembly in Naivasha, the speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula expressed concerns about the delayed reconstitution of the IEBC which may affect the boundary delimitation process before the 2027 elections.

Wetangula emphasized the importance of demographic adjustments within existing constituencies, and urged the appointment of commissioners to ensure timely conduct of by-elections and advance boundary delimitation process.

 “The delay in the reconstitution of IEBC has stalled crucial activities, including boundary delimitation, which is vital for the country’s electoral system, as well as the conducting of by-elections in constituencies and wards that have vacancies. It may also make it impossible to create additional constituencies to the existing 290 ahead of 2027,” Wetangula said.

As the country approaches its general election, the reconstitution of the IEBC and the subsequent boundary review will play a significant role in shaping the country's democratic landscape.