Kibaki assents electoral law

President Mwai Kibaki has assented the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act 2011 and Independent Offices (Appointment) Act 2011.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act 2011 lays the foundation for electoral zones and setting up the electoral commission.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) and Independent offices (Appointment) 2011 bills approved by Parliament last month were presented to the President on Tuesday morning by the Attorney General, Amos Wako.

The IEBC Act, established by article 88 of the new Constitution, is crucial to the formation of the Commission that will determine the creation of new constituencies as well as managing next year’s elections.

The IEBC Act provides for the operations, powers, responsibilities and functions of the Commission to supervise elections and referenda at County and National Government levels.

Independent Offices (Appointment) Act 2011, established under articles 228 and 248 of the Constitution, provides the procedure for identification and recommendation for appointment of the Auditor General and the Controller of Budget.

The new Independent Offices Act empower holders of such offices to perform all lawful acts for the proper discharge of their mandate.