The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has addressed concerns over the recruitment process for its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer position. The commission confirmed that it outsourced the recruitment process to KPMG Kenya, which oversaw advertising the vacancy, receiving and reviewing applications, verifying credentials, and producing a final shortlist. According to IEBC Communications Officer Edgar Aswani, KPMG was given clear Terms of Reference to guide the exercise.
The IEBC published the full list of 304 applicants in compliance with Articles 35 and 232 of the Constitution, which require transparency and fair competition in public processes. Reports that approximately 40 Nigerian nationals had applied drew significant public attention. The Commission explained that it advertised the position openly in newspapers, on the IEBC website, and on its social media platforms, making it accessible to anyone.
The commission confirmed that all foreign applicants were disqualified at the preliminary stage over the citizenship requirement. Aswani further noted that applicants had to submit documents confirming their identity and Kenyan citizenship as part of the verification process. The mandatory qualifications for the role included Kenyan citizenship, a degree recognised in Kenya, at least five years of senior management experience, and compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution and the IEBC Act.
Upon verification of national ID, citizenship and academic credentials, the final shortlist contains only Kenyan citizens. The process is now advancing to the interview stage. According to Aswani, shortlisted candidates will face further scrutiny during interviews aimed at identifying the most suitable candidate for the role.
The IEBC urged members of the public to disregard attempts to politicise what it described as a standard, merit-based recruitment exercise, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and competitive process. The commission's press release stated that applicants shortlisted for consideration are required to provide the necessary documentation to verify their identity and establish their Kenyan citizenship, in accordance with the applicable requirements.
The debate intensified after reports emerged that foreign nationals had applied for the lucrative CEO job. The IEBC stated that some applicants were of foreign nationalities, which is normal for any open advertisement and does not constitute an anomaly. Any person can apply, but not everyone qualifies, the Commission stated.
The IEBC's recruitment process aims to identify the most suitable candidate for the role. The commission is committed to a transparent and competitive process, and the public is assured that the exercise is standard and merit-based. The shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews to determine the best fit for the position.
Key points
- Only Kenyan citizens are shortlisted for the IEBC CEO job.
- 304 applicants, including foreigners, applied for the position.
- Foreign applicants were disqualified due to citizenship requirements.
