Search for next IEBC chairperson, commissioners kicks off

The process to replace former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and six positions for members of the commission has officially started.

The Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited applications for the vacant positions.

In a notice on Saturday, the panel is seeking to fill one position for Chairperson and six positions for Members, following the declaration of vacancies by President William Ruto in February 2023.

According to the panel, interested candidates must meet the qualifications set out in the Constitution of Kenya and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act.

"We encourage all qualified Kenyans with integrity, experience, and expertise to apply and be part of the electoral process," the panel stated.

Qualifications for chairperson

Applicants for the position of chairperson must meet the qualifications required for a judge of the Supreme Court.

This includes at least 15 years of experience as a superior court judge or in a distinguished legal, academic, or judicial capacity.

Additionally, candidates must fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.

A person is ineligible for the position if they have held office or vied for an elective position as a Member of Parliament, County Assembly, or a governing member of a political party in the past five years.

Qualifications for IEBC commissioners

Candidates applying for the six commissioner positions must hold a degree from a recognised university and possess at least 10 years of experience in fields such as electoral matters, governance, law, public administration, finance, ICT, or accounting.

They must also meet Chapter Six requirements on leadership and integrity.

Individuals who have held political or elective office within the last five years are not eligible for appointment.

Applicants are required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional certificates, a copy of their national ID or passport, testimonials, and clearance certificates from relevant government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

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Applications can be submitted in person at the Secretariat of the Selection Panel, located at County House, Parliament Road, or via email to [email protected].

The deadline for submission is Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 5 pm.

The selection panel will publish the names of all applicants, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

"Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and the process will be conducted transparently," the panel assured.

On Friday, the IEBC selection panel said the new electoral team will be ready in 85 days.

The selection panel chair Nelson Makanda said for the next 85 days or less, they will ensure that they deliver on their mandate of giving Kenyans the next chairperson and members of the IEBC.

It further assured Kenyans that it will conduct a transparent process to boost confidence in the new electoral body.

This came as Chief Justice Martha Koome called on other arms of government to respect independent institutions, particularly the IEBC, and allow it to deliver its constitutional mandate.

"Strong institutions are the bedrock of our democracy...IEBC must be allowed to work independently, free from political interference," she said.

The beginning of the selection of the new IEBC team has also been met with pressure from election stakeholders who are now calling on the selection panel to expedite the process but ensure it is above board.