The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has shortlisted nine candidates for the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CS/CEO) as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. The candidates were selected from 304 valid applications received after the commission advertised the vacancy on July 28, 2026. The IEBC considered gender, regional balance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities during the shortlisting exercise.
The nine candidates shortlisted for interviews are Anthony Omerikwa from Busia County, Halakhe Waqo from Marsabit, Harley Mutisya from Makueni, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt from Homa Bay, and Andrew Gitau Kimani from Nairobi. The remaining candidates are Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi from Wajir County, Edward Katama Ngeywa, a person with a disability from Trans Nzoia County, Martina Wato Yattani from Marsabit, and Nelly Ilongo from Taita Taveta County.
The interviews for the shortlisted candidates will take place on November 12 and 13, with the commission communicating the interview venue to each candidate individually. The candidates will be required to present original documents, including national identity cards or passports, academic and professional certificates, and clearance documents from various agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
The IEBC Chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, stated that the final shortlist took into account inclusion considerations, including gender, regional representation, and persons with disabilities. The commission warned that canvassing would result in automatic disqualification and reiterated that it is an equal-opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment.
The recruitment process follows the departure of former Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, whose services were terminated by mutual agreement in February 2026. Marjan had been appointed to the substantive position in March 2022 after serving as acting CEO for nearly five years. The IEBC has since appointed Moses Ledama Sunkuli and Ruth Khatievi Kulundu as acting CEOs.
The Commission Secretary and CEO is responsible for implementing commission decisions, supervising employees, coordinating the execution of IEBC's mandate, and ensuring staff compliance with public ethics and values. The role places the CEO at the center of the commission's daily administration, including the coordination of electoral operations and management of resources.
The IEBC's selection process comes as the commission prepares for the 2027 General Election and continues its electoral operations and administrative planning. The commission is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process, with the ultimate goal of appointing a qualified and suitable candidate for the position of Commission Secretary and CEO.
Key points
- The IEBC has shortlisted nine candidates for the CEO position, with interviews set for November 12-13.
- The recruitment process considers inclusion considerations, including gender, regional representation, and persons with disabilities.
- The Commission Secretary and CEO plays a crucial role in the commission's daily administration, including coordinating electoral operations and managing resources.
