IEBC Unveils Halakhe Waqo IEBC CEO Shortlist of 9 Candidates

• Former EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo is among nine candidates shortlisted for the IEBC Commission Secretary and CEO position.
• Interviews for the crucial role are scheduled to take place over two days, November 12 and 13, 2026.
• Candidates are required to provide extensive clearance certificates from multiple integrity and financial institutions.
• The recruitment aims to fill a substantive leadership role ahead of the 2027 General Election preparations.
• The new CEO will be responsible for the day-to-day administration, financial management, and electoral coordination for the IEBC.

The appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer is a critical step for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as it intensifies preparations for the upcoming 2027 General Election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled a list of nine individuals who have been shortlisted for interviews for the significant role of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Among the prominent names on this list is Halakhe Waqo, who previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Mr. Waqo's interview is scheduled for November 12, 2026, commencing at 10:30 AM.

The interview process for these IEBC Commission Secretary CEO candidates will extend over two days, taking place on November 12 and 13. While the specific venue for these interviews has not been publicly disclosed, the commission has indicated that each candidate will receive individual notification regarding their designated location. This transparent approach aims to ensure fairness in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission CEO recruitment.

Other candidates vying for this crucial leadership position include Anthony Omerikwa from Busia, Harley Mutisya representing Makueni, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt from Homabay, and Andrew Gitau Kimani from Nairobi. The shortlist also features Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi of Wajir, Edward Katama Ngeywa from Trans Nzoia, Martina Wato Yattani hailing from Marsabit, and Nelly Ilongo from Taita Taveta, reflecting a broad geographical representation among the applicants.

Candidates aspiring to become the next IEBC CEO are required to present a comprehensive set of documents during their interviews. This includes original identification, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, and testimonials. A strong emphasis has been placed on integrity and financial probity, necessitating the submission of clearance certificates from several key national institutions.

These mandatory clearance documents must be procured from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and a registered Credit Reference Bureau. The electoral body has issued a stern warning against any attempts at canvassing, explicitly stating that such actions will lead to immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.

The IEBC has reiterated its commitment to a transparent and equitable selection, affirming that the recruitment will be conducted strictly on merit through fair and open competition. This stringent process underscores the importance of appointing a leader with an impeccable record for the administrative head of the electoral body.

The appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer is a critical step for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as it intensifies preparations for the upcoming 2027 General Election. This individual will be tasked with overseeing the daily administrative operations of the IEBC Secretariat, ensuring the effective implementation of commission decisions, and managing the financial resources allocated to the electoral body. A key responsibility will be coordinating all logistical and operational aspects leading up to the national polls.

The search for a permanent CEO follows a period characterized by a series of acting appointments within the commission. Most recently, in August, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon designated Ruth Kulundu, who serves as the Deputy Commission Secretary in charge of Operations, as the Acting CEO and Commission Secretary. Her tenure was set for two months or until a permanent office holder was recruited.

Ms. Kulundu assumed the acting role after the expiration of Moses Ledama Sunkuli's six-month acting tenure. Mr. Sunkuli, who is the Director of Electoral Operations, had been appointed to the interim position in February, following the departure of the previous Commission Secretary and CEO, Marjan Hussein. This current recruitment drive aims to bring stability and consistent leadership to the secretariat ahead of a crucial electoral cycle, vital for Kenya 2027 General Election preparations.

Lawyers specializing in electoral law or advising political entities should monitor the appointment of the new IEBC CEO, as this individual will significantly influence the administrative efficiency and integrity of the 2027 General Election preparations, potentially impacting future legal challenges and electoral processes. Compliance officers should note the stringent integrity and clearance requirements for this high-level public office, reflecting ongoing emphasis on anti-corruption and financial probity in Kenya's public sector.

Source: Based on recent reports from Kenya.