The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Kenya. As part of its mandate, the IEBC is responsible for managing the country’s electoral process with integrity and professionalism. To strengthen its leadership and operational capacity, the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the IEBC invites applications from qualified candidates who meet the provisions of the Constitution and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act. This is a unique opportunity for individuals committed to upholding democratic principles and fostering transparency in Kenya’s electoral system.
Join the Team Upholding Kenya’s Democracy
The process of appointing the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is guided by key legal provisions, including Articles 88, 166(3), and 250 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, as well as Sections 5 and 6 of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act (Cap. 7C). These provisions outline the composition of the IEBC and the procedure for filling vacancies within the Commission.
In accordance with Gazette Notice No. 1901 of 14 February 2023 and Gazette Notice No. 2643 of 14 March 2023, His Excellency the President officially declared vacancies for the Chairperson (1 position) and Members of the IEBC (6 positions).
Furthermore, through Gazette Notice No. 715 of 27 January 2025, His Excellency the President appointed the Selection Panel tasked with overseeing the recruitment process for these critical positions.
In light of this, the Selection Panel now invites applications from qualified individuals who meet the requirements outlined in the Constitution and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act.
This is an exceptional opportunity for eligible candidates to contribute to Kenya’s democratic processes by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
For detailed qualifications, application requirements, and submission guidelines, please refer to the full job announcement below.
IEBC Recruitment
The Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) invites applications from qualified candidates who meet the provisions of the Constitution and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act.
This is a unique opportunity to serve in a critical institution responsible for managing free, fair, and credible elections in Kenya.
Vacant Positions
1. Chairperson of the IEBC (Ref. SP/IEBC/1/2025) – 1 Vacancy
As the Chairperson of the IEBC, you will provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to the Commission. This role is vital in ensuring the integrity and credibility of Kenya’s electoral process.
Eligibility Criteria
In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Constitution and Section 6(1) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, a candidate must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be qualified to hold the office of Judge of the Supreme Court under the Constitution. Specifically, the candidate should have:
- At least fifteen (15) years of experience as a judge of a superior court; or
- At least fifteen (15) years of experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or in any other relevant legal field; or
- A combination of the qualifications above amounting to at least fifteen (15) years of experience.
- Must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
Disqualification Criteria
According to Article 88(2) of the Constitution, a person is not eligible for appointment as Chairperson of the IEBC if they:
- Have, at any time in the preceding five (5) years, held office or stood for election as:
- A Member of Parliament or a County Assembly.
- A member of the governing body of a political party.
- Hold any State office.
2. Member of the IEBC (Ref. SP/IEBC/2/2025) – 6 Vacancies
The Members of the IEBC work alongside the Chairperson to oversee the management and administration of elections and referenda in Kenya. This role requires individuals with expertise in governance, electoral processes, and other relevant fields.
Eligibility Criteria
As per Section 6(2) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, a candidate must:
- Hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Have proven knowledge and at least ten (10) years of experience in any of the following fields:
- Electoral matters
- Management
- Finance
- Governance
- Public administration
- Law
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Accounting
- Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Disqualification Criteria
A person shall be disqualified from appointment as a Member of the IEBC if they:
- Have, at any time in the preceding five (5) years, held office or stood for election as:
- A Member of Parliament or a County Assembly.
- A member of the governing body of a political party.
- Hold any State office.
Application Process
To apply, interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- Certified true copies of academic and professional certificates.
- A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or Passport.
- Testimonials and other relevant supporting documents.
Additionally, applicants must provide valid and current clearance certificates from the following bodies:
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
- A recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
Note: As per Section 9(5) of the Employment Act (Cap.226), applicants for State office positions must provide compliance or clearance certificates as part of the recruitment process.
Submission of Applications
Candidates must send their applications to:
The Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the IEBC
P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi
Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number of the position they are applying for:
- Chairperson of the IEBC (Ref. SP/IEBC/1/2025)
- Member of the IEBC (Ref. SP/IEBC/2/2025)
Modes of Application Submission
- Hand Delivery: Applications may be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to:
- The Secretariat of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the IEBC, 3rd Floor, County House Building, Parliament Road, Nairobi.
- Online Submission: Applications may also be submitted as a PDF file attachment via email to:
Deadline for Application Submission
All applications must be received on or before Saturday, 15 February 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (East African Time).
Important Notices
- The names of all applicants and the interview schedule for shortlisted candidates will be published in print media, the Kenya Gazette, and on the Parliamentary Service Commission website (www.parliament.go.ke).
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the democratic process in Kenya. If you have the qualifications, experience, and integrity required for these roles, we encourage you to apply and be part of the team that upholds electoral transparency and democracy in the country.
Chairperson,
The Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
