Ann Nderitu: IEBC will earn Kenyans’ trust by doing things diffrently
By Nancy Marende, September 29, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans that it is committed to rebuilding public confidence in its operations by charting a new path of transparency and accountability.
Speaking on concerns raised over the credibility of the commission on Monday, September 29, 2025, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu admitted that mistrust in the electoral body has been a long-standing issue, rooted in Kenya’s political history.
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However, she emphasised that the newly reconstituted commission deserves the opportunity to demonstrate its independence and integrity.
“The lack of confidence in IEBC is a historical issue. I don’t know how Kenyans can say they have confidence or not when we are barely 76 days in office. It means they are looking at history. They’d better wake up and trust us because we have just come in, and we want to do things differently,” she said.
Nderitu further noted that trust cannot simply be demanded but must be earned through action.
She pledged that IEBC will build that trust by ensuring transparency in its processes and by engaging Kenyans openly and inclusively.
“Trust is earned, not given. We are going to earn that trust from Kenyans by demonstrating that we are independent and that we mean well for the country,” she added.
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2027 General Elections
Her remarks come a month after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon assured Kenyans of the IEBC’s full preparedness to deliver credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in the upcoming August 10, 2027, general election.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Saturday, July 19, 2025, he emphasised the Commission’s commitment to upholding the Constitution of Kenya and all relevant electoral laws.
“As the commission embarks on its roadmap for the August 10, 2027, elections, we wish to assure the public of the preparedness of the commission to deliver inclusive, credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in strict compliance with the constitution of Kenya and all the electoral laws,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the success of a robust democracy depends on institutional integrity and the active participation of citizens and all electoral stakeholders.
The commission extended an open invitation to all players to collaborate in strengthening the electoral process.
“A robust democracy relies on institutional integrity and active participation of all members of the public. The commission therefore, invites fellow citizens and other stakeholders, including parliament, the media, civil society, and development partners, to collaborate with us as we execute these priority tasks that will lead us to the implementation of the final agenda, general elections management plan, and other plans, including voter education, and move the country forward,” he said.