IEBC explains why several Nigerians were among applicants for the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as it defends transparent recruitment process

Saturday, October 31, 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved to calm public concern after several foreign nationals, including Nigerians, appeared on the list of applicants for the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

In a statement, the electoral body emphasized that the presence of foreign applicants on the published list was a normal outcome of an open recruitment process and did not indicate any irregularity.

IEBC explained that it had hired auditing and advisory firm KPMG Kenya to independently manage the entire recruitment exercise.

The firm was tasked with advertising the vacancy, receiving applications, verifying credentials, long-listing candidates, and preparing the shortlist to ensure the process remained professional, competitive, and free from interference.

According to the commission, a total of 304 applications were received after the vacancy was advertised widely through newspapers, the IEBC website, and social media platforms.

In line with constitutional requirements on transparency and fair competition, all applicants were listed publicly regardless of nationality.

The commission noted that foreign nationals were free to submit applications, just like any other interested candidate.

However, it stressed that applying for the position did not automatically mean an applicant qualified for consideration.

IEBC clarified that Kenyan citizenship was a mandatory requirement for the CEO position, alongside possessing a recognized degree, at least five years of senior management experience, and meeting integrity standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Following verification of national identity documents, citizenship status, and academic credentials, all foreign applicants were eliminated during the preliminary screening stage.

The commission confirmed that only Kenyan citizens made it to the final shortlist of nine candidates.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.