This article serves as a formal job hiring advertisement for temporary election-related positions arising from upcoming by-elections. The roles of Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer are critical to the successful conduct of electoral processes at the polling station level. These appointments are temporary in nature and are intended to support the administration of free, fair, credible, and transparent by-elections in designated locations.
The positions fall under the category of By-Election Temporary Jobs and are based in areas where by-elections are scheduled to take place. Individuals appointed to these roles will be deployed directly to polling stations and will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and executing polling day activities in accordance with electoral laws, regulations, and operational guidelines.
The Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer work as a team, with the Presiding Officer serving as the overall officer in charge of a polling station, while the Deputy Presiding Officer supports and deputizes the Presiding Officer in all assigned duties. Together, they ensure that voting operations are conducted efficiently, securely, and in a manner that upholds public confidence in the electoral process.
This job advertisement outlines the key details of the available positions, including job type, location, application deadline, detailed duties and responsibilities, job requirements, and remuneration. The article is structured to provide clarity and comprehensive information for prospective applicants and is suitable for publication on a third-party job board.
Department
The roles fall under election administration for by-elections. The officers will work within the broader electoral management framework and will report directly to the Constituency Returning Officer through established reporting and communication channels.
Job Type
These are temporary positions tied specifically to the by-election period. Appointed officers must be available for the full duration of the electoral exercise, including preparatory activities, polling day operations, result transmission, and post-polling procedures.
Location
The positions are based in by-election areas. Successful applicants will be deployed to polling stations within the constituency or ward in which they apply. Residency within the respective constituency or ward is a requirement to facilitate accessibility and operational efficiency.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by January 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Available Positions
- Presiding Officer
- Deputy Presiding Officer
Both positions are integral to the effective management of polling stations and the overall success of the by-election process. A detailed job description for each role is provided below.
Position One: Presiding Officer
Overview of the Role
The Presiding Officer is the overall officer in charge of a polling station. This role carries primary responsibility for the conduct of polling and counting activities at the assigned station. The Presiding Officer ensures that all electoral procedures are followed correctly, that election materials are properly managed, and that the voting process runs smoothly from opening to closing.
The Presiding Officer is also responsible for supervising all election officials at the polling station, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the integrity and security of election materials and results. The role requires a high level of integrity, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage people and sensitive materials under time-sensitive and sometimes high-pressure conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Presiding Officer
The Presiding Officer will perform the following duties and responsibilities during the by-election exercise:
Overall leadership at the polling station
The Presiding Officer serves as the overall officer in charge of the polling station. This includes taking full responsibility for all activities, decisions, and outcomes within the polling station in accordance with electoral laws and guidelines.
Demarcation and layout of the polling station
The Presiding Officer is responsible for demarcating and laying out the polling station before polling begins. This involves organizing the physical arrangement of voting areas, queues, and workstations to ensure an orderly, accessible, and efficient voting environment.
Management and safety of the KIEMS
The Presiding Officer ensures the safety, proper handling, and correct use of the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS). This includes safeguarding the equipment from damage, loss, or unauthorized access.
Verification of KIEMS readiness
Before departing to the polling station, the Presiding Officer must ensure that the KIEMS device, power bank, and all associated components are fully charged, functional, and complete. Any issues must be identified and reported promptly.
Supervision of polling activities
The Presiding Officer supervises all polling activities at the station, ensuring that procedures are followed accurately and consistently throughout the voting period.
Distribution of election materials
The Presiding Officer distributes election materials to polling clerks and other officials at the station, ensuring that each official has the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
Official opening of polling
The Presiding Officer officially declares the start of polling at the designated time. This includes ensuring that all preparatory steps have been completed and that agents and observers are present as required.
Network connectivity check
At 5:30 a.m., the Presiding Officer runs the network connectivity tool on the KIEMS to confirm that the device is able to transmit data as required.
Opening and closing of the voting period on KIEMS
The Presiding Officer opens and closes the polling station voting period on the KIEMS device in accordance with prescribed timelines and procedures.
Maintenance of law and order
The Presiding Officer ensures that law and order is maintained within and around the polling station. This includes managing queues, addressing disputes, and coordinating with security personnel where necessary.
Management of voter flow
The Presiding Officer ensures a smooth and orderly flow of voters in the queue, minimizing delays and ensuring that all eligible voters are able to cast their ballots in a timely manner.
Electronic transmission of results
After the close of polling and completion of counting, the Presiding Officer ensures that all election results and logs are transmitted electronically from the polling station to the designated tallying centers.
Transparency with agents
Before transmission of results, the Presiding Officer shows the tabulated results to agents present at the polling station to promote transparency and accountability.
Supervision of election officials
The Presiding Officer supervises all election officials assigned to the polling station, providing guidance, addressing issues, and ensuring adherence to assigned roles and responsibilities.
Communication with the Constituency Returning Officer
The Presiding Officer updates and communicates regularly with the Constituency Returning Officer, providing status reports and escalating any issues that require attention.
Posting of results
The Presiding Officer posts a copy of the election results at the polling station as required by electoral procedures.
Delivery of results
The Presiding Officer takes the results and associated materials to the Constituency Returning Officer, ensuring their safe and secure delivery.
Security of the polling station
The Presiding Officer is in charge of security at the polling station, ensuring the safety of voters, officials, materials, and results throughout the exercise.
Return of election materials
After completion of polling and result delivery, the Presiding Officer ensures the safe retrieval and return of all election materials to the Returning Officer.
Position Two: Deputy Presiding Officer
Overview of the Role
The Deputy Presiding Officer supports and deputizes the Presiding Officer in the performance of polling station duties. The Deputy Presiding Officer plays a vital role in ensuring continuity of operations and assists in managing polling activities, election materials, and election officials.
The Deputy Presiding Officer must be prepared to assume the duties of the Presiding Officer when required and to provide reliable support throughout the electoral process. This role demands teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive tasks in a structured and professional manner.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Presiding Officer
The Deputy Presiding Officer will perform duties similar to those of the Presiding Officer while acting in a supporting and deputizing capacity. Key responsibilities include:
Deputizing the Presiding Officer
The Deputy Presiding Officer deputizes the Presiding Officer in performing all assigned duties. This includes taking charge of the polling station when delegated or when the Presiding Officer is unavailable.
Support in polling station setup
The Deputy Presiding Officer assists in the demarcation and layout of the polling station, ensuring that voting areas and queues are properly organized.
Assistance with KIEMS management
The Deputy Presiding Officer supports the Presiding Officer in ensuring the safety, functionality, and correct use of the KIEMS and related equipment.
Supervision of polling activities
Under the direction of the Presiding Officer, the Deputy Presiding Officer helps supervise polling activities and ensures that clerks and other officials perform their duties correctly.
Distribution and management of materials
The Deputy Presiding Officer assists in the distribution and management of election materials and ensures accountability for items assigned to polling clerks.
Maintenance of order and voter flow
The Deputy Presiding Officer supports efforts to maintain law and order and to ensure a smooth flow of voters at the polling station.
Support in result management
The Deputy Presiding Officer assists with the tabulation, verification, and display of results before electronic transmission.
Communication and reporting
The Deputy Presiding Officer helps relay information and updates to the Constituency Returning Officer as directed by the Presiding Officer.
Security and material return
The Deputy Presiding Officer supports the Presiding Officer in ensuring the security of election materials and in the safe return of materials to the Returning Officer.
Job Requirements
The following requirements apply to both Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer positions:
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens of high integrity and must be non-partisan.
Applicants must hold a Degree or Diploma certificate from a recognized institution.
Applicants must be computer literate and able to operate electronic election management systems.
Applicants must have effective communication skills suitable for interacting with election officials, voters, agents, and supervisors.
Applicants must possess good report writing skills to accurately document polling activities and incidents.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage people, sensitive data, and election materials responsibly.
Applicants must have skills in data computation to support result tabulation and verification processes.
Applicants must be available for the entire period of the by-election exercise, including training, polling, and post-polling activities.
Applicants must be residents of the constituency or ward in which they apply, to facilitate timely deployment and familiarity with the area.
Wages
Remuneration for the positions is as follows:
Presiding Officers will be paid Kshs. 2,000 per day.
Deputy Presiding Officers will be paid Kshs. 1,800 per day.
Payment will be based on the number of days worked during the by-election exercise, in accordance with established payment procedures.
Additional Information
These roles are temporary and are strictly tied to the duration of the by-election process. Successful applicants will be required to adhere to all electoral rules, codes of conduct, and operational guidelines throughout their engagement.
Integrity, impartiality, and professionalism are essential attributes for both positions, given the sensitive nature of election administration and the importance of public trust in the electoral process.
Applicants should ensure that they carefully review the duties, responsibilities, and requirements outlined in this advertisement before submitting their applications.
