NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) vacant, paving the way for the recruitment of a new head of the Commission’s Secretariat.
In a vacancy notice issued on July 28, the electoral commission invited qualified Kenyan citizens to submit applications for the position.
“A vacancy has arisen in the Commission for the position of Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CS/CEO). The Commission is seeking to recruit a qualified and competent individual to fill this position,” the notice states.
According to the Commission, the successful candidate will be appointed on a four-year contract, renewable once for a further four years subject to satisfactory performance.
Qualifications for the position
The IEBC said applicants must be Kenyan citizens and hold a degree from a recognised university.
Candidates must also have at least five years of proven management experience and demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Electoral matters
- Management
- Finance
- Governance
- Public administration
- Law
- Political science
Applicants are also required to satisfy the integrity requirements set out under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to present original copies of the following documents during interviews:
- National Identity Card or Passport
- Academic and professional certificates and transcripts
- Supporting testimonials
- Clearance certificates from the 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).
Application process
The Commission directed interested candidates to submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. on August 18, 2025, through the email address executiverecruitment@pmo.go.ke.
Applicants are required to indicate “Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CS/CEO)” as the subject of the email.
Each application must include:
- A signed application letter
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with contacts of three professional referees
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
- A copy of the National Identity Card or Passport
- Copies of all required statutory clearance certificates
The Commission encouraged women, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalised groups and minority communities to apply in line with constitutional principles on inclusivity.
It also warned that canvassing would lead to automatic disqualification and noted that only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.
Role of the Commission Secretary
According to the vacancy notice, the Commission Secretary serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Head of the Secretariat, Accounting Officer, and custodian of all Commission records, reporting directly to the Commission.
The office is responsible for implementing Commission decisions, supervising staff, coordinating the execution of the Commission’s constitutional mandate, and ensuring compliance with public service values and ethical standards.
The successful candidate will also provide strategic leadership to the Secretariat, oversee the Commission’s daily administrative operations, prepare annual work plans and budget estimates, manage financial and administrative functions, and drive implementation of the Commission’s strategic plan.
Additionally, the officeholder will be responsible for mobilising and managing Commission resources, safeguarding official records and carrying out any other duties assigned by law or by the Commission.
Key recruitment ahead of future elections
The recruitment comes as the IEBC continues strengthening its institutional leadership ahead of future electoral activities.
The Commission Secretary plays a central role in supporting the Commission’s operations, ensuring effective administration, financial accountability and the implementation of decisions made by the electoral body.
