NAIROBI, Kenya – The selection panel tasked with recruiting the chairperson and commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expects to have a fully constituted team in place by May 2025.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, panel chairperson Nelson Makanda confirmed that the application process is underway and will conclude this Saturday at 5 PM.
“The application process is ongoing, and as indicated in the advertisement, it will close on February 15 at 5 PM,” Makanda said.
Following the closure of applications, the panel will embark on shortlisting and interviewing candidates before forwarding the final list of successful nominees to President William Ruto by April 25.
“Once we submit the names, Parliament will undertake vetting as required by law, paving the way for appointment and assumption of office,” said panel vice-chairperson Lindah Kiome.
Kiome also clarified that since this is a new panel, the process starts afresh, meaning those who had previously applied to the now-defunct selection panel must reapply.
Makanda assured Kenyans of a transparent and fair process, promising that the panel will deliver a credible team to oversee the country’s electoral processes.
Application Requirements
The panel officially invited applications through an advertisement published on February 1.
To qualify for the position of IEBC chairperson, candidates must have at least 15 years of experience as a judge of a superior court or as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or in a related legal field.
Additionally, they must meet the leadership and integrity requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Individuals are ineligible if they have, within the last five years, held elective office as an MP or MCA, served on the governing body of a political party, or held any state office.
For the position of IEBC commissioner, applicants must possess a degree from a recognized university and have at least 10 years of experience in electoral matters, governance, law, public administration, ICT, finance, or related fields.
All applications must include certified academic certificates, a CV, a national ID or passport, and clearance certificates from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Eligible candidates can submit applications physically at the Selection Panel Chairperson’s office on the 3rd Floor of County House, Parliament Road, or via email in PDF format to iebcselectionpanel2025@parliament.go.ke.
Once applications close, the panel will review submissions and publish the names of all applicants alongside the interview schedule in print media, the Kenya Gazette, and the Parliamentary Service Commission website.
