IEBC chair position attracts more men, only six women apply

Only six women have applied for the position of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, accounting for just 16.22 percent of the total applications.

The selection panel overseeing the recruitment process disclosed that the majority of the applicants 31 out of 37 are men, making up 83.78 percent of the submissions.

Panel chairperson Nelson Makanda on Wednesday also revealed that three of the applicants for the chairperson position are Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

He further noted that applications for IEBC commissioner positions came from all 47 counties, but only 17 counties were represented in the applications for the chairperson role.

Seven applicants did not indicate their county of origin.

By the close of the application period on February 15, 2025, a total of 1,848 applications had been received. Makanda stated that 1,333 Kenyans applied for commissioner positions, with 237 being women, 1,078 men, and 18 failing to attach their National IDs.

The panel conducted a thorough review of the submissions and discovered several issues, including duplicate applications, unreferenced submissions, and applications for positions that were not advertised.

“Since then, the panel undertook a careful and thorough review of all email and hard copy applications received,” said Makanda.

Following the initial review, the panel has now finalised a long list of applicants, which will be published on March 6, 2025, in two national newspapers, the Kenya Gazette, and the Parliamentary website.

“Following the long listing exercise, the Selection Panel shall now proceed to undertake the shortlisting process, the list of which will also be published soon before proceeding for the interviews,” Makanda stated.

Makanda reassured the public that the panel is working within the set timelines and remains committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process.

“The Panel would also like to reiterate that in selecting the nominees for the Chairperson and Members of IEBC. It is committed to conducting a fair and transparent process. The public and applicants should be assured of the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and accountability in every aspect of the Panel’s work,” he said.

With 1,356 applicants now shortlisted for the positions of chairperson and commissioner, the next phase of the selection process is expected to proceed in the coming weeks. The recruitment panel remains on track to complete its work within the 90-day deadline outlined in the First Schedule of the IEBC Act.

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