Next IEBC Chair: Meet Bold Women Who Want to Succeed Chebukati

The list of applicants for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson position is out. Out of the 37 Kenyans who applied for the position, the names of five women seeking to lead IEBC stand out.

The women include Anne Amadi, Joy Brenda Mdivo, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Nelly Peris Ashubwe, and Yvonne Mercy Olaka.

Anne Amadi served as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary for 10 years, between January 13, 2014, and January 12, 2024.

She was pivotal in administering the oath of office to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 and President William Ruto in 2022.

Female IEBC chair nominees

Amadi served as a magistrate in the Kenyan Judiciary between 1991 and 1997. She also served as the Deputy Executive Director and the Head of Litigation at the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), between 2003 and 2008.

Amadi also served as the head of the Judiciary Administration which entailed running the day-to-day activities of the Judiciary including staff management, finances management, and property management.

Also Read: IEBC Delay: List of Constituencies, Wards and Counties Left Without Representation

She holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University in the United States, and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Nairobi.

She also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law.

Joy Mdivo

On her part, Joy Brenda Masinde Mdivo serves as the chairperson of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) Board of directors, having been appointed on December 16, 2022.

She is the daughter of Bishop J.B. Masinde, the founder and Senior Pastor of Deliverance Church International – Umoja in Nairobi, Kenya.

Former SRC commissioner

Besides KPLC, Brenda serves in several boards including the African International University Council, the Integrated Aid Services, and the Deliverance Church Umoja Council.

She is also the Executive Director of the East Africa Centre for Law and Justice (EACLJ) and is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Also Read: Salaries, Allowances & Benefits of IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners

Nelly Peris

Nelly Peris Ashubwe served as a commissioner at the Salaries and Remuneration Commission until November 2024. She is also an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Nelly holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in law as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Law.

Lilian Wanjiku served as a nominated Member of County Assembly in Nyeri County. She holds a bachelor’s degree as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Law.

Yvonne Mercy Olaka is also seeking to head the electoral commission. IEBC stated that she holds a Diploma.

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