Meet Fahima Araphat: The Youngest IEBC Vice Chair At 33

Breaking barriers from Lamu’s shores to Kenya’s electoral commission

In a historic moment for Kenya’s electoral landscape, Fahima Araphat Abdallah has shattered age and gender barriers to become the youngest Vice Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at just 33 years old.

The daughter of Lamu’s coastal community was sworn into office on July 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone not just for her personal journey, but for representation of marginalized communities in Kenya’s top electoral body.

Fahima’s story begins in the scenic village of Shela in Lamu County, where she was born in 1992.

Growing up in a patriarchal society that traditionally prioritized boys’ education over girls’, her rise to national prominence represents a triumph over societal expectations and geographical limitations.

“I know it is not easy to make it this far, especially coming from a small marginalized community at the far end of Kenya,” acknowledged JLAC committee member Zulekha Harun during Fahima’s parliamentary vetting.

“You are an inspiration to many girls and ladies all over this country.”

Fahima’s educational journey took her from Lamu to Nairobi’s premier institutions.

She graduated from Kenyatta University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, before pursuing a master’s degree in project planning at the University of Nairobi.

Her career trajectory was swift and impressive.

Immediately after graduation, she was absorbed into Kenya’s devolved government system, serving as ward administrator for her hometown of Shela from 2014 to 2017.

This grassroots experience would prove invaluable in her understanding of local governance and community needs.

A Rapid Rise Through County Government

In 2017, as Kenya’s devolution entered its second term, Fahima’s capabilities were recognized with her promotion to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in Lamu County.

Despite her young age, she demonstrated remarkable versatility, serving across multiple critical dockets including:

• Lands and infrastructure
• Energy and finance
• Economic planning and tourism
• Trade, investment, and industrialization
• Agriculture, fisheries, and livestock
• Cooperatives and blue economy

This diverse portfolio gave her comprehensive exposure to governance challenges and solutions across multiple sectors – experience that would later impress the parliamentary committee reviewing her IEBC nomination.

During her appearance before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Fahima demonstrated the poise and expertise that had marked her career.

Committee members were visibly impressed by her ability to handle complex questions with ease and articulate her vision for Kenya’s electoral future.

Her presentation highlighted not just her technical qualifications, but her understanding of the unique challenges facing Kenya’s electoral system.

“I have gained enough experience that will enable me to hold this national position at this juncture,” she confidently told the committee.

Fahima’s election as IEBC Vice Chairperson represents several firsts: she brings youth perspective to an institution often dominated by older voices, represents coastal and marginalized communities in national leadership, and demonstrates that geographic origin need not limit one’s aspirations.

Her journey from Lamu County’s public service board to the second-highest position in Kenya’s electoral commission sends a powerful message to young Kenyans, particularly young women from marginalized communities, that leadership positions are attainable regardless of background.

As the IEBC reconstitutes after a two-year delay, Fahima joins the commission at a crucial time. With her extensive experience in governance, project planning, and public service, she brings fresh perspectives to an institution tasked with safeguarding Kenya’s democratic processes.

Her appointment comes as the commission faces pressure to “hit the ground running” and prepare for upcoming electoral activities.

Chief Justice Martha Koome recently emphasized the urgency of the commission’s work, making Fahima’s leadership role even more significant.

Fahima Araphat’s rise from the shores of Shela to the corridors of Kenya’s electoral power represents more than personal achievement – it symbolizes the democratic promise that talent and dedication can overcome traditional barriers of age, gender, and geography.

As she settles into her new role, Fahima carries with her not just the hopes of her Lamu community, but the aspirations of countless young Kenyans who see in her story proof that their own dreams of leadership are achievable.

At 33, she may be the youngest to hold this position, but her track record suggests she possesses the wisdom and experience to help guide Kenya’s electoral future.

Her story reminds us that sometimes the most transformative leaders come from the most unexpected places – like a small village by the sea, where a young girl dared to dream beyond society’s limitations.

The IEBC commissioners were sworn in following their approval by Parliament, ending a two-year period without a fully constituted electoral commission.