The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has commenced interviews for candidates seeking to fill the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners.
The process began on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the College of Insurance in Nairobi, marking a significant step in reconstituting the electoral body, which has been without commissioners since January 2023.
A total of 11 candidates have been shortlisted for the Chairperson position, while 105 candidates are in the running for the six available Commissioner slots. The interviews for the Chairperson role will run until March 26, after which the Commissioner interviews will continue until April 24. The selection panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, has pledged to uphold transparency and integrity throughout the recruitment process.
The first candidate to face the panel for the Chairperson position on Tuesday March 25, 2025 is Mr. Erastus Edung Ethekon, who has appeared before the interviewers this morning.
Mr. Ethekon, an experienced legal practitioner and governance expert, has outlined his vision for restoring public trust in the IEBC and strengthening the electoral process. He has emphasized the need for electoral reforms, improved voter education and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections.
Other candidates scheduled to appear before the panel include Prof. Noah Midamba, a security and governance expert and Dr. Catherine Kamindo, a former IEBC official with extensive experience in election management.
Prof. Midamba is expected to bring insights on electoral security, while Dr. Kamindo is likely to focus on administrative reforms within the commission. Also on the list are lawyer Paul Gachanja and governance consultant Grace Otieno, both of whom have been vocal advocates for electoral transparency and accountability.
The ongoing recruitment is being closely monitored by various stakeholders, including civil society groups and political parties, given the critical role the IEBC plays in Kenya’s democratic process.
The selection panel has assured the public that the vetting process will be thorough and merit-based, aiming to restore confidence in the electoral body ahead of future elections.
