Hundreds of Kenyans have expressed interest in the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) just days after the Selection Panel advertised them.
With barely three days left until the deadline, IEBC Selection Panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda has revealed that they have so far received over 300 applications from Kenyans seeking to fill the positions.
"As of 10 February, the panel had received 339 applications. The application process is ongoing, and as stated in the advert, it will close at 5 pm on Saturday, 15 February 2025," Makanda revealed.
The panel officially invited applications for the positions of IEBC Chairperson and six Commissioners on February 1, 2025.
To be selected for the position of Chairperson, one must have at least 15 years of experience as a superior court judge or at least 15 years of experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or in other legally relevant fields.
For the Commissioners, the panel will select candidates with eligible degrees from recognised universities, at least 10 years of experience in electoral matters, management, finance, governance, public administration, law, ICT, or accounting, and who meet the leadership requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
All applications must be accompanied by authentic academic certificates, a curriculum vitae (CV), an identification card or passport, and testimonials.
The Selection Panel has assured Kenyans that if all goes as planned, the country will have a fully functional IEBC Commission by May 2025.
It has also guaranteed Kenyans that it will uphold the integrity of the task entrusted to it and faithfully discharge its duties to deliver an honourable commission that will foster democracy in the country.
Regarding the petition filed by lawyer Apollo Mboya to suspend the panel's activities over the questionable appointment of Professor Adams Oloo, Kiome has dismissed the petition, stating that there is no legal hurdle preventing the panel from proceeding.
"Matters relating to the law are for the courts to decide, but as far as we are concerned, there are no injunctions; therefore, we are continuing with our work," Kiome confirmed.
The petition argued that Oloo's eligibility to sit on the panel was questionable and that his appointment was a conflict of interest since he serves as an advisor to the President.
