The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced it has not extended the controversial contract for voting technology provider Smartmatic. This development comes as questions surround the recent resignation of Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan.

• The IEBC and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) partnered to mobilize voters on February 4, 2026.
• IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon stated Marjan's resignation was in the nation's best interest.
• Ethekon did not confirm if Marjan's exit was related to the contract for Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits.

After over a decade of service, Hussein Marjan's tenure at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has drawn to a close amidst controversy. Having served as Deputy Commission Secretary since March 2015, his departure marks the end of a long career at the electoral body.

• Hussein Marjan was the longest-serving senior official in the electoral agency’s history.
• He joined the IEBC in March 2015 as Deputy Commission Secretary in charge of Support Services.
• Marjan, an accounting and audit expert, was responsible for administrative, financial, and logistical functions.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing a significant credibility challenge amidst leadership changes and questions surrounding a controversial technology contract. The commission has denied extending Smartmatic's contract for election technology.

• The IEBC's Chairman Erastus Ethekon stated that CEO Hussein Marjan's resignation was in the nation's best interest.
• The IEBC and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) announced a partnership to mobilize voters on February 4, 2026.
• The contract for Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits remains a point of contention.

After a tenure of over a decade, Hussein Marjan, the longest-serving senior official at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is leaving the organization. His departure follows a career marked by both his rise through the ranks and accompanying controversies.

• Marjan joined the IEBC in March 2015 as the Deputy Commission Secretary overseeing support services.
• He was responsible for administrative, financial, and logistical functions within the Secretariat.
• Marjan is an accounting and audit expert.

The IEBC faces credibility questions following the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan, amidst ongoing scrutiny over a controversial contract with voting technology provider Smartmatic. The IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon stated Marjan's exit was "in the best interest of the nation" but declined to confirm if it was linked to the KIEMS kits contract.

• The IEBC and Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) announced a partnership to mobilize voters on February 4, 2026.
• IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon asserted that the contract with Smartmatic for voting technology has not been extended.
• The resignation of Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan is a central point of contention and discussion within the commission.

Hussein Marjan, the longest-serving senior official at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has left the agency after more than a decade, with his departure reportedly surrounded by controversy. He initially joined the commission in March 2015.

• Marjan served at IEBC for over 10 years, making him the agency's longest-serving senior official.
• He started as Deputy Commission Secretary overseeing Support Services, responsible for administrative, financial, and logistical functions.
• Marjan is an accounting and audit expert, highlighting his background before joining the electoral body.

The IEBC is facing a leadership crisis following the sudden exit of chief executive officer Hussein Marjan, less than two years before the 2027 elections. His departure, described as “termination by mutual consent,” marks the third consecutive CEO to leave the position prematurely, highlighting the instability within the commission.

• Hussein Marjan is the third IEBC chief executive to leave before the end of their contract.
• The CEO role has been a revolving door, with Ezra Chiloba and James Oswago also exiting under controversial circumstances.
• Past departures, including those of Chiloba and Oswago, have been linked to conflicts over lucrative tender procurements, some involving billions of shillings.
• Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had previously advocated for Marjan’s removal, citing concerns about the integrity of the 2027 elections.