The race to fill vacant positions at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified as the application deadline draws near. As of Monday, February 10, a total of 339 applications had been received, with the number expected to rise significantly in the final days.
The vacancies were advertised on February 1, following the appointment of the Selection Panel as required under the IEBC Act Cap. 7C. The panel had seven days to invite applications from qualified candidates. Addressing the media in Nakuru on Tuesday, Selection Panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda confirmed that the process was progressing smoothly.
“As a result, the panel proceeded to call for applications from qualified and interested persons through adverts in the print media on Saturday, February 1, 2025. This advert was also published in the Special Kenya Gazette on February 3, 2025, as well as on the Parliamentary Service Commission website. So far, we have received 339 applications,” Makanda stated.
With just three days remaining before the application deadline, a last-minute surge in submissions is expected. Historically, job applications for high-profile government roles tend to increase significantly in the final hours.
In preparation for the crucial recruitment exercise, the Selection Panel has been conducting a five-day stakeholder engagement and experience-sharing workshop. This initiative aims to ensure that the selection process is carried out in a professional, transparent, and lawful manner.
During one of the sessions, Public Service Commission CEO and Secretary Paul Famba briefed panel members on the effective guidelines and criteria for selection and recruitment. Additionally, Chief Human Resource Manager Officer at Parliamentary Joint Services, Margaret Igane, took the panel through the long-listing and shortlisting processes.
The panelists were also trained on conducting effective interviews and the use of best human resource tools to identify the most qualified candidates. These training sessions are crucial in ensuring that the recruitment process remains credible and in line with constitutional and legal requirements.
Makanda assured the public that the Selection Panel remains committed to conducting a fair and transparent recruitment process. He emphasized that all steps would be guided by the Constitution, the IEBC Act Cap. 7C, and other relevant legal frameworks governing the process.
As the deadline nears, attention will turn to the next steps, including the shortlisting of candidates, interviews, and final selections. The successful candidates will be tasked with overseeing Kenya’s electoral processes ahead of the next general election.
