New IEBC Vice Chair Fahima Abdallah: A woman of firsts

By Newsflash Reporter

Fahima Araphat Abdallah’s inspiring journey from the quiet coastal village of Shella in Lamu to becoming the youngest-ever vice chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a testament to resilience and the breaking of social barriers.

Born in 1992, Ms Abdallah hails from the Swahili Bajuni community, a minority group with limited representation in national leadership.

She defied entrenched cultural norms that typically discourage girls from pursuing education and leadership, instead favouring early marriage and domestic roles. Through focus and hard work, she carved a new path—one that has now positioned her at the forefront of Kenya’s electoral management. Her appointment was announced last Friday following a plenary session at the IEBC’s headquarters.

This marks the first key appointment under the new leadership of IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who was sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome alongside other commissioners.

Read more: Profiles of new IEBC nominees

Ms Abdallah first rose to prominence in 2013 when, at just 21 years old, she was appointed Shella Ward Administrator by then Lamu Governor Issa Timamy—making her the youngest person to hold that office in the county. When Governor Fahim Yassin Twaha succeeded Mr Timamy in 2017, she was elevated to the position of County Executive Committee Member, where she oversaw various key dockets including infrastructure, lands, tourism, finance, agriculture, fisheries, the Blue Economy, and water.

Local pride and national recognition

Her impressive tenure in county governance also included serving on the Lamu County Assembly Service Board, helping build her credentials in public service and leadership before joining the IEBC.

Speaking to the press, Ms Abdallah expressed humility and gratitude. “I thank God for bringing me this far. I’ve been the youngest ward administrator, the youngest CECM in Lamu and in Kenya, the youngest IEBC commissioner, and now, the youngest vice chairperson of the IEBC,” she reflected.

Her appointment sparked widespread celebration in Lamu. Many residents said her elevation to the electoral body symbolised long-awaited recognition for the marginalised coastal community. Former Governor Timamy welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step towards greater representation.

“We are thrilled to see one of our own trusted with such responsibility. This is the inclusivity Lamu has been longing for,” Mr Timamy remarked.

Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla also hailed the appointment as a proud moment for both Lamu and the nation at large.

Ms Abdallah attended Shella Primary School and Lamu Girls Secondary School before enrolling at Kenyatta University, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting. She also holds a Certified Public Accountant (Advanced) qualification, a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and certificates in Senior Management from the Kenya School of Government and Dispute Resolution from the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

Beyond her public service, Ms Abdallah is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. She co-founded the Shella Women’s Empowering Group, which has supported over 40 women in the region by promoting community-driven development and championing gender equality.

Now 32, Ms Abdallah’s continued rise marks multiple firsts—not just for her but for her community.