Eratus Edung: 3 Master's Degrees, Impressive Academic Qualifications of IEBC Chairperson Nominee

Eratus Edung: 3 Master's Degrees, Impressive Academic Qualifications of IEBC Chairperson Nominee

  • President William Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC chairperson, a move that could shape Kenya’s electoral future
  • If approved by the National Assembly, Ethekon would assume the role previously held by his predecessor, the late Wafula Chebukati
  • The IEBC chair nominee's three master’s degrees and solid academic credentials set him apart as a strong contender for the position

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

In a move that has sparked significant attention, President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Erastus Edung
IEBC chair nominee Erastus Edung has an impressive academic background. Photo: Turkana TV.
Source: Twitter

With stakes at an all-time high in Kenya’s political landscape, all eyes are now on Ethekon, whose leadership could steer the IEBC through an era of reform and challenge.

If approved by the National Assembly, Ethekon will assume leadership of the country's electoral commission, a position formerly held by the late Wafula Chebukati.

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The president also nominated six commissioners to work with Ethekon, pending approval. They are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

"In accordance with our supreme law, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament, in accordance with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act as well as the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Chapter 7F, Laws of Kenya)," the statement read in part.

The president also urged the National Assembly to prioritise the consideration of the nominations, acknowledging the vital role of the IEBC.

What is Erastus Edung Ethekon's academic background?

Ethekon boasts an impressive academic portfolio, with three master’s degrees, along with a bachelor's degree, showcasing a remarkable depth of knowledge and dedication to his field.

He graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

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He then earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

In 2007, he received a Postgraduate Certificate in the Implementation of International Human Rights Treaties from the University of Nottingham, UK.

In 2012, he completed a Master of Arts in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies from Universidad Jaume I in Spain.

The following year, he earned a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Liverpool, UK.

In 2016, he completed a Master of Laws in Oil, Gas and Energy Law from the University of Derby, UK.

Did Ruto receive list of IEBC nominees from selection panel?

The head of state nominated Ethekon just two days after receiving the IEBC selection panel’s final report.

A photo showing William Ruto receiving IEBC list.
William Ruto meets the IEBC selection panel in Nairobi. Photo: William Ruto.
Source: Facebook

This marked a key milestone in the commission’s reconstitution process, which had stalled following the 2022 General Election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 6, Ruto acknowledged the report and said he would act promptly to nominate the commission’s chairperson and members in full compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.

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He also commended the panel, led by Nelson Makanda, for what he called their thorough and commendable handling of a demanding national responsibility.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Faith Chandianya avatar

Faith Chandianya (CA editor) Faith Chandianya is a multi-media journalist and a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Media Science from Moi University. She has over four years experience in digital journalism. Email: Faith.Chandianya@tuko.co.ke

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