IEBC Shortlists Nine Candidates for Commission Secretary Interviews in November

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has shortlisted nine candidates for interviews to fill the position of Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CS/CEO), a key leadership role as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The interviews are scheduled for November 12 and 13, 2026, following a recruitment process that attracted 304 valid applications.

Among those shortlisted are former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo and acting National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) chief Dr Anthony Omerikwa.

Nine Candidates Make the Shortlist

In its recruitment notice, the IEBC named the following candidates for the interview stage:

1. Halakhe Waqo
2. Dr Anthony Omerikwa
3. Harley Mutisya
4. Edmund Odiwuor Malitt
5. Andrew Gitau Kimani
6. Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi
7. Edward Katama Ngeywa
8. Martina Wato Yattani
9. Nelly Ilongo

The candidates come from different parts of the country, including Busia, Marsabit, Makueni, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Wajir, Trans Nzoia and Taita Taveta.

The commission said its selection process considered inclusion, with attention to gender, regional balance and the representation of persons with disabilities.

How the Recruitment Process Was Conducted

The recruitment exercise began on July 28, 2026, when the commission advertised the vacancy in print media and on its official website.

The application window closed on August 11, 2026, at 5 p.m., after which the IEBC confirmed receiving 304 valid applications.

Applicants were assessed against several requirements, including Kenyan citizenship, submission of complete and valid documents, compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, and relevant professional experience suited to the responsibilities of the position.

The nine shortlisted candidates will now proceed to interviews, which will help the commission identify a suitable candidate for the senior administrative position.

Key Leadership Role Ahead of the 2027 Elections

The Commission Secretary/CEO is responsible for the IEBC’s secretariat and administrative operations, supporting the commission in carrying out its constitutional mandate.

The appointment comes at an important time as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, when the commission will be expected to oversee preparations for voter registration, electoral logistics and the management of the voting process.

The successful candidate will succeed Marjan Hussein Marjan, who served in the position from 2022 until his resignation on February 3, 2026.

Interview Dates and Next Steps

The IEBC has scheduled the interviews for November 12 and 13, 2026. The venue will be communicated directly to each shortlisted candidate.

The commission has not identified the successful candidate at this stage. The outcome will depend on the interview process and the subsequent steps required to complete the appointment.

As the recruitment progresses, attention will focus on the successful candidate’s professional experience, leadership capacity and ability to support the commission in delivering a credible electoral process in 2027.