KENYA: Independent Electoral And Boundaries Commission Selection Panel, Chairperson Interviews, Vetting To Begin In Kenya

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

The Selection Panel for the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson and members has successfully completed interviews for the position of chairperson.

The interview process, which began on March 24, concluded on March 26 at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, Nairobi. Speaking after the final session, the panel’s chairperson, Dr. Nelson Makanda, confirmed that all 11 shortlisted candidates attended their interviews.

“We are happy to report that all 11 shortlisted candidates availed themselves to participate in the interview process,” Dr. Makanda stated.

With the chairperson interviews completed, the panel will now shift focus to the selection of IEBC members, with interviews scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 27, and run until Friday, April 25.

The 11 candidates interviewed for the chairperson position include former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Charles Nyachae.

The panel has called upon the public to submit any information regarding the suitability of the shortlisted candidates.

Submissions must be in writing, under oath, and sent at least five days before the scheduled interview date of the concerned applicant.

Dr. Makanda also reminded all shortlisted candidates to present valid clearance certificates from relevant government agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Commission for University Education (for those with foreign degrees).

The selection panel has reported receiving 1,333 applications for the position of IEBC member. Of these, 1,078 (80.87%) were male, 237 (17.77%) were female, while 18 applicants (1.35%) did not attach their National ID copies.

As the selection process moves forward, Kenyans will be keenly watching to see who will be appointed to lead the country’s electoral commission ahead of the next general elections.