How To Apply To Be An IEBC Chairperson, Commissioners & Requirements
Those who succeed are set to take over from Wafula Chebukati who was the chairperson, as well as former Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, former Commissioners Boya Molu, Abdi Guliye, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang'aya.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The nine-member Selection Panel charged with reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited Kenyans wishing to apply for the role of IEBC chairperson and six commissioners.
Those who succeed are set to take over from Wafula Chebukati who was the chairperson, as well as former Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, former Commissioners Boya Molu, Abdi Guliye, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang'aya.
Chebukati, Molu and Guliye retired after their six-year term came to an end on January 17, 2023. Cherera, Wanderi and Nyang'aya however stepped down from their roles in the midst of investigations into the 2022 general elections.
Former IEBC chairperson, Wafula Chebukati. /FILE
"The selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for the appointment as the Chairperson and Commissioners of the IEBC invites applications from qualified persons who satisfy the provisions of the Constitution and the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission Act," reads part of the notice issued on Saturday, February 1.
Kenyans who wish to apply for the positions of IEBC chairperson and commissioners must send their applications to the Selection Panel by Saturday, February 15.
Requirements
Those wishing to apply for the IEBC chairperson post must have at least 15 years of experience as a superior court judge or at least 15 years of experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or such experience in other legally relevant fields.
The candidate must also have met the leadership and integrity requirements as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution, among other important qualifications.
A person is, however, not eligible for the position of IEBC chairperson if, at any time within the preceding five years, they held office or stood for elections as a Member of Parliament or Member (MP) of County Assembly (MCA). Being a member of the governing body of a political party or holding any state office is another disqualifying factor.
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.
How To Apply
Applications can be submitted in person at the Secretariat of the Selection Panel, located at County House, Parliament Road, or via email to iebcselectionpanel2025@parliament.go.ke. 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.
The names of all applicants and the interview schedule of short-listed candidates will be published in the print media, the Kenya Gazette, and the Parliamentary Service Commission Website.
The Selection Panel chairperson, Nelson Makanda, assured on Friday that the process of picking the next chairperson and commissioners of the country's premier electoral body will be completed within 85 days.
