The Selection Panel for the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson and Commissioners has invited qualified Kenyans to submit their applications by February 15, 2025. This marks a crucial step in filling the vacancies that have stalled key electoral functions due to the commission’s absence.
As per legal provisions, the selection panel has a 90-day timeframe from the date of its swearing-in to finalize the recruitment process and submit the names of qualified candidates to the President. The panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, is working under tight deadlines to ensure the appointment of a new IEBC Chairperson and six commissioners.
In a public notice issued on February 1, the selection panel outlined the extensive qualifications required for applicants.
For the position of IEBC Chairperson, candidates must have at least 15 years of experience either as a Superior Court Judge or in distinguished academic, judicial, or legal practice. Additionally, applicants must meet the leadership and integrity requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
However, individuals who have held office or vied for election as a Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of County Assembly (MCA) within the past five years are ineligible. Similarly, those who have served in the governing body of a political party or held any state office in the last five years do not qualify.
For IEBC Commissioner roles, candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university and have at least 10 years of experience in fields such as electoral management, finance, governance, public administration, law, ICT, or accounting. They must also adhere to Chapter Six’s integrity standards.
Interested applicants must submit certified academic certificates, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), a national ID or passport, and other relevant testimonials. They must also obtain clearance certificates from key institutions, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Candidates can submit their applications physically to the Selection Panel Chairperson’s office on the 3rd Floor of the County House Building, Parliament Road. Alternatively, applications can be sent as a PDF attachment via email to iebcselectionpanel2025@parliament.go.ke.
Once applications are received, the Selection Panel will review and shortlist candidates for interviews. The names of all applicants, along with the interview schedule for shortlisted candidates, will be published in print media, the Kenya Gazette, and on the Parliamentary Service Commission website.
This recruitment process is expected to restore stability to the IEBC, ensuring Kenya’s electoral body regains its full functionality ahead of upcoming electoral activities.
