Today marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s electoral landscape as interviews commence for the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The selection panel, led by Dr. Nelson Makanda, is set to interview 11 candidates for the Chairperson role and 105 candidates for Commissioner positions over the coming weeks.

The interviews, held at the Edge Convention Center, College of Insurance in Nairobi’s South C, will run from March 24 to April 24, 2025. The process begins with the Chairperson candidates, scheduled from March 24 to 26, followed by the Commissioner candidates.

Notable figures among the Chairperson candidates include former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi and ex-chairperson of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Charles Nyachae. Other candidates are Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo, Robert Akumu Asembo, Abdulqadir Lorut Ramadhan, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Lillian Wanjiku Manegene, and Edward Katama Ngeywa.

The selection panel emphasizes transparency, inviting public participation through sworn memoranda regarding the suitability of any shortlisted candidates. Submissions concerning the Chairperson position must be made by March 19, while those for Commissioner positions are due by March 26.

This recruitment process aims to restore confidence in the IEBC ahead of the 2027 General Election, following a period of leadership vacancies. The selection of new leaders is expected to bolster the commission’s integrity and strengthen Kenya’s electoral framework.