IEBC Selection Panel Completes Chairperson Interviews, Focus Shifts To Commissioners

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, led by Nelson Makanda, has completed interviews for 11 candidates shortlisted for the position of chairperson ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Makanda announced the conclusion of the first phase of the recruitment process, paving the way for interviews of IEBC commissioner candidates.

“All 11 shortlisted candidates participated in the interviews, which began on Monday, March 24, and concluded today. The panel will now proceed with interviews for the commissioner positions, which will start on Thursday, March 27, and run until Friday, April 25, 2025,” Makanda stated.

At least 110 candidates have been shortlisted for the six available commissioner positions.

The selection panel, comprising nine members, will conduct daily interviews except on weekends.

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

To qualify as an IEBC commissioner, a candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university and have experience in electoral matters, governance, finance, management, public administration, or law, while also meeting the integrity requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The panel assured the public that once interviews are completed in April, they will submit two names for the chairperson position and nine names for commissioners to the president, who will then appoint the chairperson and six members of the commission.