Kenya’s electoral landscape is in turmoil, with a TIFA Research survey, Elections Integrity & Public Perception: What Kenyans Are Really Saying (May 2025), exposing deep public distrust. Half of Kenyans have no confidence in the integrity of the 2027 elections, and 69% question the validity of the last three presidential polls, citing irregularities and rigging allegations.
Amid this crisis, Anne Amadi, former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, emerges as the public’s top choice for IEBC Chair, though her lead is tempered by widespread ignorance of the final shortlist. Can Amadi, a seasoned judicial figure, rebuild faith in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)?
Amadi’s prominence stems from her distinguished judicial career. As Chief Registrar from 2014 to 2023, she oversaw administrative operations of Kenya’s Judiciary, managing court registries, case filings, and judicial reforms under the 2010 Constitution.
Her tenure saw digitization efforts, like the e-filing system, and initiatives to clear case backlogs, earning her a reputation as a unifier and innovator. Amadi’s emotional intelligence and experience in high-pressure environments, as she noted during her IEBC interview, make her a compelling candidate.
Yet, 55% of Kenyans lack confidence in the ongoing IEBC vetting process. The TIFA survey reveals further challenges. Only 8% of Kenyans know the IEBC missed a constitutional deadline, likely tied to delays in reconstituting the commission, signalling a transparency deficit.
Moreover, 65% fear misinformation on platforms like X could sway elections, as seen in 2022 when fake polls proliferated. However, with 53% fearing ethnic-based violence if results are disputed
Other candidates interviewed for the IEBC Chair include Charles Nyachae, a former commissioner at the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, known for his legal expertise; David Kimosop, a governance consultant; and Nancy Onyango, an economist with experience in public sector reforms. The selection panel also considered Kenneth Kiptoo, a lawyer, and Faith Waigwa, a judicial reform advocate, among 37 applicants. Public awareness of these candidates remains low, with TIFA noting most Kenyans are unfamiliar with the shortlist, undermining informed support for Amadi’s 41% preference rating over Nyachae’s 23%.
The stakes are high. With 78% of Kenyans supporting multiparty elections, the demand for a credible IEBC is clear.
