NAIROBI, Kenya- Media Council of Kenya Director of Media Training and Development Victor Bwire is among nine candidates shortlisted for the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Bwire, who is listed under Busia County, is scheduled to face the KNCHR interview panel on November 16, 2026, from 4:15pm to 5:15pm.
The shortlist follows a recruitment process that attracted 144 applications for the five-year contract, which is renewable once subject to performance and funding.
The role is based in Nairobi and reports to the KNCHR Chairperson.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the Commission’s administrative and operational functions.
Nine candidates make the shortlist
The other shortlisted candidates are Dr Emmanuel Wambua Kituku of Machakos, Dr Albert Kochei of Elgeyo Marakwet, Juliet Wanjiku Murimi of Kiambu, Gilbert Oduor Onyango of Vihiga and Guyo Dadacha Liban of Marsabit.
Also shortlisted are Dr Mary Kimari of Meru, Mohamed Sabir Jaafar of Mandera and Joseph Ndiku of Machakos.
KNCHR said the candidates will be interviewed at their allocated times on November 16, with the venue to be communicated directly to each applicant.
The Commission has directed the candidates to present original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, transcripts and other relevant testimonials during the interviews.
They will also be required to produce clearance certificates from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Higher Education Loans Board, Kenya Revenue Authority and Credit Reference Bureau.
Bwire brings human-rights, media experience
Bwire serves as MCK’s Director of Media Training and Development, where he manages programmes, supports the Council’s chief executive and leads initiatives focused on journalism, media development and professional standards.
He previously worked at KNCHR as a Human Rights Officer and has also served at ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, where he worked on journalists’ safety and protection.
His inclusion in the shortlist places a media and human-rights practitioner in the contest to lead the national institution charged with promoting and protecting human rights in Kenya.
Recruitment requirements
KNCHR said applicants for the job must be Kenyan citizens, hold a degree from a recognised university, have at least 10 years of proven management-level experience and satisfy the integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The vacancy was re-advertised in September after an earlier call for applications, with people who had applied initially not required to submit fresh applications.
The Commission warned that canvassing would result in automatic disqualification and invited members of the public to submit credible written information concerning any of the shortlisted candidates.
The recruitment process is expected to determine the next administrative head of KNCHR, with the Commission saying the selection will be guided by merit, fairness and open competition.
