IEBC Nominee Highlights Technology and Trust in Kenyan Elections

Kenya's IEBC Nominees Face Scrutiny: Chairperson Nominee Erustus Ethekon Addresses Public Trust and Technology's Role in Elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nominees are currently undergoing approval hearings in Kenya's County Hall. A key moment in the proceedings involved Erustus Ethekon, a nominee for the position of IEBC Chairperson, who addressed concerns about the cost of elections and the importance of public trust in the process. The High Court recently allowed Parliament to resume the vetting process after a legal challenge. "The next election will be largely technology driven, in terms of mobilizing young voters to vote, educating them on the voting process, encouraging them to turn out to vote, apps like Instagram, TikTok will come into play." Ethekon stated, emphasizing the need to leverage technology for greater voter engagement and transparency. Ethekon also highlighted the issue of public trust, stating that "when we don't trust ourselves, when we don't trust our institutions...then we resort to those measures out of fear." He proposed a multi-pronged approach to address this, including a robust media and communications strategy to combat negative narratives and perceptions. The hearings continue, with the nation watching closely as the IEBC prepares for the upcoming elections.