1,848 candidates apply for IEBC chairperson and commissioners positions
1,848 candidates have applied to be considered for the position of Chairperson and members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement on Sunday, February 16, 2025, the IEBC Selection Panel led by Nelson Makanda revealed that over 1,800 applications were submitted by the close of the window on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Makanda noted that the applications were delivered to the secretariat while others were submitted online.
“By the 5 p.m. deadline, we had received a total of 1,848 consisting of applications hand-delivered to the secretariat at 3rd floor, County House Building, Parliament Road and applications submitted online as PDF file format attachments that were mailed,” the statement read in part.
The new IEBC officials are expected to replace former chair Wafula Chebukati and the other commissioners who exited following the lapse of their tenure in January 2023.
Verification process
Following the closing of the application process, the panel immediately embarked on the verification exercise. The names of those who successfully applied for the IEBC chairperson position and commissioners would be published after that, the selection panel insisted.
“The Panel has commenced the process of verification and will be issuing the long list comprising of all the names of the applicants, in accordance with paragraph 3(1) of the First Schedule to the IEBC Act,” the statement added
Fair process
Moreover, the panel assured the public that the verification and selection process would be carried out fairly. To promote transparency, the Makanda-led panel promised to give a breakdown of each process.
“The Panel would like to reassure the public that, members of the Selection Panel are committed to conducting a fair and transparent process. In this regard, we shall keep the public informed at all stages of the recruitment exercise.”
The Panel was constituted by President William Ruto after the court lifted a court order that had stalled the process. He named a nine-member team including Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony Chief Justice Koome called on the panel to execute their mandate with diligence, fairness, and transparency.
The CJ urged them to resist any pressure, influence, or partisan interests that seek to derail the process.
“The oath you have taken today is a solemn pledge to serve Kenya with unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. The decisions you make will shape not just the 2027 elections, but the future of our democracy. Rise to this occasion with honour, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty. Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she told them.
