The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has shortlisted former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) chief executive Halakhe Waqo and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) CEO Anthony Omerikwa for the position of commission secretary and chief executive officer.
The commission released the list of nine candidates on Wednesday, October 28, following a review of applications submitted for the position.
The other shortlisted candidates are Harley Mutisya, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt, Andrew Gitau Kimani, Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Martina Wato Yattani and Nelly Ilongo.
According to IEBC, the final list was drawn from 304 valid applications received after the recruitment notice was published on July 28. The application deadline was August 11.
The commission said it considered gender, regional representation and the inclusion of persons with disabilities during the shortlisting process, depending on the pool of applicants.
Interviews Set for November
The IEBC has set aside November 12th and 13th for interviews with the interviewees having allocated time slots which begin from 9am.
The candidates who will take part in the interviews will be expected to produce their original ID papers, certificates, academic transcripts and other documents.
The applicants will also be supposed to produce clearance certificates from the following bodies: Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board and a Credit Reference Bureau.
The commission made it clear that those who will canvass for the post will definitely be disqualified.
Waqo, Omerikwa’s Experience
Omerikwa has served as NACADA chief executive since his appointment in November 2023.
Waqo, on the other hand, was the inaugural secretary and CEO of the EACC, serving from 2013 to 2019.
The recruitment comes as IEBC seeks to fill the top administrative position substantively ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Commission Secretary for Operations Ruth Kulundu has been serving as acting CEO since August 5.