The uphill task before Ethekon, fellow IEBC commissioners

Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Dr Erastus Edung Ethekon during the swearing in of the commission at Supreme Court on July 11, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

After two years wasted in political mischief, Kenya finally has an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). It is relatively youngish, energetic and ready for the difficult task ahead.

The challenge before Erastus Edung Ethekon and his commissioners is not the short time in which to deliver elections and boundary delimitations. It is in rebuilding the lost trust among Kenyans in institutions and structures. He has a sharp presence of mind, is highly exposed in managing different types of conflicts, and is conscious of what lies ahead.