The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission periodically undertakes large-scale electoral activities that require temporary staffing to support the successful delivery of by-elections. One of the critical components of any electoral process is the training of election officials who are directly involved in polling, counting, and tallying. To support this mandate, the Commission seeks to engage Support Electoral Trainers (SETs) on a temporary basis to assist in structured electoral training programmes at constituency and ward levels.
This job hiring advert is intended for publication on a third-party job board and provides a comprehensive overview of the Support Electoral Trainer position, including the scope of work, duties and responsibilities, reporting requirements, and terms of engagement. The role is designed for individuals who can effectively support electoral training operations under the supervision of Returning Officers during by-election periods. The engagement is strictly temporary and aligned to the by-election timelines within designated locations.
The article is structured to give potential applicants a clear understanding of the nature of the assignment, the expectations attached to the role, and the operational environment in which Support Electoral Trainers will work. All information provided is aligned strictly with the job description and requirements as issued, without the addition of extraneous qualifications or promotional content.
Position Title
Support Electoral Trainer (SET)
Department
Electoral Operations and Training
Job Type
By-Election Temporary Jobs
Location
By-election areas, including specific constituencies and wards where by-elections are scheduled
Application Deadline
January 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Position Overview
The Support Electoral Trainer is a temporary role established to strengthen the delivery of electoral training programmes during by-election periods. The position supports the Returning Officer and other electoral officials by assisting in the training of Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers, and Clerks who are deployed to manage polling stations and tallying centres.
Support Electoral Trainers are engaged at various levels of the training cascade and are expected to play both instructional and supervisory roles. The assignment requires availability for the full duration of the training and electoral exercise and demands a high level of integrity, neutrality, and adherence to electoral laws and procedures.
The role is operational in nature and involves both preparatory and implementation activities. Support Electoral Trainers are required to assist in setting up training venues, distributing training materials, overseeing training sessions, compiling reports, and, where assigned, performing duties of Presiding Officers or Deputy Presiding Officers during the electoral process.
Detailed Job Description
The duties and responsibilities of the Support Electoral Trainer are wide-ranging and span the full electoral training cycle. The role supports both planning and execution of training programmes and requires close coordination with Returning Officers and other election officials.
Training Support and Facilitation
One of the core responsibilities of the Support Electoral Trainer is to assist in the training of Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers, and Clerks. This training focuses on the practical and procedural aspects of election management, including polling, counting, and tallying processes. The Support Electoral Trainer is expected to contribute to the effective delivery of training content, ensuring that participants understand their roles, responsibilities, and the legal and procedural framework governing elections.
The training sessions may involve demonstrations, guided discussions, simulations, and practical exercises. Support Electoral Trainers are expected to assist lead trainers in managing these sessions, responding to participant queries, and reinforcing key learning points. The goal of this support is to ensure that all trainees are adequately prepared to perform their duties on polling day and during the tallying process.
Preparation of Training Venues and Materials
Support Electoral Trainers are required to assist in preparing training venues ahead of scheduled sessions. This includes arranging seating, setting up training equipment, and ensuring that all required materials are available and organized. Training materials may include manuals, forms, stationery, and other election-related resources.
In addition to physical preparation, Support Electoral Trainers assist in verifying that training materials correspond with the approved electoral training plans. This responsibility ensures consistency and accuracy across all training clusters and contributes to the standardization of election procedures.
Supervision at Lower-Level Training Clusters
The electoral training model often involves cascading training sessions, where information and skills are passed from higher-level trainers to lower-level clusters. Support Electoral Trainers play a supervisory role at these lower-level clusters, overseeing individuals engaged in training Clerks and other election officials.
This supervisory responsibility includes monitoring the quality of training delivery, ensuring adherence to approved content, and addressing logistical or procedural challenges that may arise during training sessions. Support Electoral Trainers may also provide guidance and support to trainers at these levels to ensure that training objectives are met.
Support to the Returning Officer
Support Electoral Trainers work under the direction of the Returning Officer and are required to assist in carrying out all forms of electoral training as assigned. This may include participating in planning meetings, supporting the rollout of training schedules, and assisting with coordination between different training teams.
The role requires responsiveness to instructions from the Returning Officer and flexibility to undertake various training-related tasks as needs arise. Support Electoral Trainers are expected to maintain clear communication with the Returning Officer and promptly report on progress, challenges, and outcomes related to training activities.
Compilation of Electoral Training Reports
An important administrative responsibility of the Support Electoral Trainer is the compilation of electoral training reports. These reports document the training activities conducted, attendance levels, key observations, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement.
Support Electoral Trainers are expected to compile these reports as directed by the Returning Officer, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission. The reports contribute to institutional records and provide valuable insights for improving future electoral training programmes.
Implementation of Electoral Training Plans
Support Electoral Trainers are required to implement electoral training plans developed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. These plans outline the structure, content, timelines, and expected outcomes of training programmes.
The role involves ensuring that training activities align with these plans and that deviations are promptly reported and addressed. Support Electoral Trainers contribute to the faithful execution of training strategies and help ensure that electoral officials receive consistent and standardized training across different locations.
Management and Security of Training Materials
Support Electoral Trainers are responsible for collecting and ensuring the security of all election training materials assigned to them. This includes safeguarding sensitive materials and ensuring that they are not lost, damaged, or misused.
In addition to security, Support Electoral Trainers assist in distributing electoral training materials at cascaded levels. This responsibility requires careful tracking and accountability to ensure that all materials reach their intended recipients and are used appropriately during training sessions.
Operational Electoral Duties
In addition to training-related responsibilities, Support Electoral Trainers may be required to perform the duties of a Presiding Officer or Deputy Presiding Officer as assigned by the Returning Officer. This assignment typically occurs during the electoral exercise and requires adherence to all applicable electoral laws and procedures.
When assigned these duties, Support Electoral Trainers are expected to manage polling stations or support polling operations with professionalism, impartiality, and efficiency. This dual role underscores the operational nature of the position and the need for comprehensive understanding of election procedures.
Reporting and Accountability
Support Electoral Trainers are accountable to the Returning Officer and are expected to uphold high standards of integrity and non-partisanship throughout the assignment. The role involves handling sensitive information and materials, and any breach of trust or procedure may have significant implications for the electoral process.
Regular reporting, clear documentation, and adherence to instructions are essential components of accountability in this role. Support Electoral Trainers are expected to demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with trainees, electoral officials, and members of the public.
Job Requirements
The Support Electoral Trainer position has specific requirements that applicants must meet. These requirements are integral to the effective performance of the role and are outlined as follows:
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens of high integrity and must be non-partisan. This requirement reflects the importance of neutrality and public trust in the electoral process.
Applicants must hold a Degree or Diploma certificate from a recognized institution. This educational requirement supports the capacity to understand and deliver structured training content.
Applicants must be computer literate. The role may involve the use of digital tools for reporting, communication, and training preparation.
Applicants must have proven and demonstrated training skills. The ability to facilitate learning, communicate effectively, and support diverse groups of trainees is central to the role.
Applicants must have the ability to manage people. This includes supervising training participants and other trainers, coordinating activities, and resolving issues that may arise during training.
Applicants must be available for the entire period of the exercise. The role requires full commitment throughout the training and electoral timelines.
Applicants must be residents of the constituency or ward in which they apply. Local residency supports logistical efficiency and contextual understanding of the electoral environment.
Terms of Engagement and Remuneration
The Support Electoral Trainer position is a temporary engagement aligned to by-election activities. The duration of the assignment is determined by the electoral timetable and training schedules within the designated location.
Support Electoral Trainers will be paid wages at a rate of Kshs. 2,000 per day. Payment is subject to completion of assigned duties and compliance with reporting and accountability requirements as determined by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The role does not constitute permanent or pensionable employment and does not imply future engagement beyond the specified electoral exercise.
Work Environment and Conditions
Support Electoral Trainers operate in a dynamic and time-sensitive environment. Training sessions may be conducted in various venues within constituencies and wards, and the role may involve travel within the assigned area.
The position requires flexibility, as training schedules may be adjusted to meet operational needs. Support Electoral Trainers are expected to work collaboratively with other election officials and to adapt to evolving requirements during the electoral period.
Professional conduct, respect for diversity, and adherence to electoral codes of conduct are essential in this role.
Conclusion
The Support Electoral Trainer position plays a vital role in strengthening the capacity of election officials and supporting the integrity of by-election processes. Through training, supervision, reporting, and operational support, Support Electoral Trainers contribute directly to the effective management of polling, counting, and tallying activities.
This temporary engagement is suited for individuals who can demonstrate integrity, neutrality, training competence, and commitment to the full duration of the electoral exercise. Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to review the role carefully and submit their applications within the specified deadline.
