The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has addressed concerns regarding the nationality of applicants for the Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer position. The commission assured that all shortlisted candidates are Kenyan citizens, following allegations that some foreign nationals had made it into the recruitment process. IEBC stated that foreign applicants were eliminated at the preliminary stage for not meeting the citizenship requirement.
The recruitment process was conducted by KPMG Kenya, which oversaw advertising the vacancy, receiving applications, longlisting, verification, and shortlisting. IEBC published all 304 applications as a constitutional requirement to promote transparency and fair competition. However, the People's Coalition on Electoral Reforms, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, questioned the credibility of the recruitment process, citing 44 names with questionable nationality.
The coalition demanded an explanation for the inclusion of foreign applicants in the longlist and challenged the commission to provide the correct list of applicants. They warned that a questionable longlist could undermine public confidence in the recruitment of the commission's top administrative official. The exercise, they argued, must be guided by transparency, meritocracy, and integrity.
IEBC cited Article 35 and Article 232 of the Constitution, which provide for access to information and principles of public service, including transparency and fair competition. The commission stated that any person can apply, but not everyone qualifies, and that the mandatory requirements include Kenyan citizenship, a recognized degree, at least five years of senior management experience, and compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Verification of national identity documents, citizenship, and academic qualifications established that all foreign applicants failed to meet the citizenship requirement and were disqualified before shortlisting. IEBC maintained that the process remained transparent, competitive, and merit-based, urging Kenyans to disregard attempts to politicize a standard recruitment exercise.
The recruitment has attracted heightened public scrutiny because the Commission Secretary is the chief administrative officer responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the electoral agency. The nine candidates shortlisted for the position include Anthony Omerikwa, Halakhe Waqo, Harley Mutisya, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt, Andrew Gitau Kimani, Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Martina Wato Yattani, and Nelly Ilongo.
The candidates are scheduled to appear for interviews on November 12 and 13, 2026. IEBC's clarification aims to alleviate concerns over the recruitment process, ensuring that the selection of the Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer is transparent, merit-based, and in line with the Constitution and relevant laws.
Key points
- IEBC assures that all shortlisted candidates for the CEO position are Kenyan citizens.
- The recruitment process was conducted by KPMG Kenya and followed constitutional requirements for transparency and fair competition.
- The nine shortlisted candidates will appear for interviews on November 12 and 13, 2026.
