Established under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is an independent constitutional commission responsible for conducting and supervising referenda and elections to elective public offices. The Commission also performs other electoral functions as provided for under the Constitution and Acts of Parliament. Through its work, the IEBC plays a vital role in strengthening democracy, safeguarding the will of the people, and promoting transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral processes across the country.
In carrying out its constitutional mandate, the Commission is guided by the national values and principles of governance outlined under Article 10 of the Constitution, as well as the values and principles of public service provided under Article 232. These constitutional provisions emphasize integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, equity, inclusivity, efficiency, and service to the people of Kenya.
To strengthen its leadership and operational capacity, the Commission is seeking to recruit a qualified, competent, and visionary individual to serve as the Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer.
The Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the Commission. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to the Secretariat while ensuring the efficient implementation of the Commission’s constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The office holder will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Commission, ensuring effective management of financial and human resources, implementing Commission decisions, and providing leadership that upholds professionalism, ethical conduct, and institutional excellence.
This position requires an individual capable of leading a complex constitutional institution while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and public confidence.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer shall report directly to the Commission and perform several important functions that are critical to the successful operation of the institution.
Among the primary responsibilities, the successful candidate will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, providing executive leadership and ensuring that the Commission’s strategic objectives are achieved efficiently and effectively.
The office holder will also serve as the Head of the Secretariat, overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations and ensuring that all departments function efficiently in support of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
As the Accounting Officer of the Commission, the successful candidate will be responsible for prudent financial management, ensuring proper utilization of public resources, compliance with financial regulations, and accountability in all financial matters.
The position also carries the responsibility of serving as the official custodian of all Commission records, ensuring that institutional documents and records are properly maintained, secured, and managed in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Implementing decisions made by the Commission.
- Assigning duties to employees and supervising staff across the Secretariat.
- Coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the Commission’s constitutional and statutory mandate.
- Promoting compliance with public service ethics, constitutional values, and professional standards among Commission staff.
- Performing any other responsibilities assigned by the Commission or provided under the law.
Leadership Responsibilities
Beyond the statutory functions, the Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer is expected to provide strategic leadership that supports institutional growth and operational excellence.
The successful candidate will lead the Secretariat in maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, integrity, and ethical conduct across all functions of the Commission.
The office holder will oversee the planning and implementation of annual work plans, organizational priorities, and operational programs while ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently.
The role also involves preparing the Commission’s annual plans and budget estimates, supervising financial and administrative management, and ensuring sound governance practices throughout the institution.
The successful candidate will be expected to drive the Commission’s vision and mission through effective implementation of its strategic plan while ensuring that organizational objectives are achieved within the established legal and policy framework.
Another key responsibility will involve mobilizing and managing institutional resources necessary for the Commission to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
The Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer will also ensure the safe custody of Commission documents and maintain accurate institutional records as the chief custodian of Commission information.
Qualifications
Applicants interested in the position must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Kenya.
- Possess a degree from a recognized university.
- Have at least five years of proven experience at management level.
- Demonstrate proven relevant experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Electoral matters;
- Management;
- Finance;
- Governance;
- Public administration;
- Law; or
- Political science.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
Interview Requirements
Applicants who are shortlisted for interviews will be required to present original copies of the following documents:
- National Identity Card or Passport.
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Professional certificates.
- Supporting documents and testimonials.
- Clearance certificates from:
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC);
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI);
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA);
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB); and
- A registered Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
Terms of Appointment
The Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer will be appointed on a four-year contract.
The appointment may be renewed for one additional term of four years, subject to satisfactory performance and the applicable legal provisions.
Documents Required for Application
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A signed application letter.
- A detailed curriculum vitae containing the names and contacts of three professional referees.
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
- A copy of the National Identity Card or Passport.
- Copies of all statutory clearance certificates.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all documents submitted are complete and accurate to facilitate the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and fairness in recruitment.
Applications from women, youth, persons living with disabilities (PWDs), marginalized groups, and minority communities are strongly encouraged in line with the constitutional principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity.
The Commission further emphasizes that canvassing in any form will result in automatic disqualification. Only candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
The deadline for submission of applications is 11th August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all the required supporting documents are attached. Late applications or applications that do not meet the stated requirements may not be considered during the recruitment process.
