Former EACC Boss Halakhe Waqo, NACADA CEO Among 9 Shortlisted for IEBC CEO Job

Former EACC Boss Halakhe Waqo, NACADA CEO Among 9 Shortlisted for IEBC CEO Job

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has shortlisted former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) CEO Anthony Omerikwa for its top administrative position.

The commission published a list of nine candidates on Wednesday, October 28, following a recruitment exercise that attracted hundreds of applicants.

The successful candidates will compete for the position of IEBC Chief Executive Officer as the electoral agency prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Other candidates shortlisted for interviews are Harley Mutisya, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt, Andrew Gitau Kimani, Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Martina Wato Yattani and Nelly Ilongo.

IEBC said the selection process considered professional requirements alongside inclusion and representation among applicants.

“This final shortlist presented has taken into consideration the above requirements, layered with the need to drive inclusion across sensitivities such as gender, regional balance, differently-abled persons, etc., to the extent reasonable and possible based on the applicant pool,” the commission stated.

IEBC Shortlists 9 Candidates From 304 Applicants

According to the commission, the nine candidates were selected from 304 valid applications received after the recruitment notice was published on July 28.

The application window closed on August 11, after which the commission reviewed the submissions and identified candidates who met the requirements for the position.

Gender, regional representation and the inclusion of persons with disabilities were among the considerations outlined in the shortlisting process.

The recruitment is part of IEBC’s efforts to fill the chief executive position substantively, strengthening its administrative leadership as the country approaches the next general election.

Waqo, Omerikwa Bring Public Sector Experience

Waqo previously served as the inaugural Secretary and CEO of the EACC from 2013 to 2019, completing a six-year tenure at the anti-corruption agency.

During his career, he has held a senior public service position in an institution responsible for addressing corruption and promoting integrity in public office.

Omerikwa, meanwhile, has led NACADA since his appointment in November 2023. The authority coordinates efforts to prevent and control alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya.

Their inclusion in the shortlist brings candidates with experience in public administration and leadership of national institutions into the competition for the electoral commission’s chief executive role.

The position is central to the commission’s daily operations, including administration, coordination of staff and implementation of decisions made by the commissioners.

IEBC Sets November Interview Dates

IEBC has scheduled interviews for November 12 and 13, with each shortlisted candidate allocated a specific time slot running from 9am into the afternoon.

Candidates will be required to present original national identity cards or passports, academic and professional certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents during the interviews.

They must also provide clearance certificates from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board and a registered Credit Reference Bureau.

The requirements are intended to support verification of candidates’ qualifications and compliance with the conditions set for the recruitment.

IEBC Warns Candidates Against Canvassing

The commission has cautioned applicants against canvassing during the recruitment process, warning that anyone found engaging in the practice risks automatic disqualification.

IEBC also indicated that only shortlisted applicants would be contacted regarding the next stage of recruitment.

The process comes as the commission prepares for the demanding administrative work associated with the 2027 General Election, when it will be expected to coordinate electoral operations across the country.

Deputy Commission Secretary for Operations Ruth Kulundu has been serving as acting CEO since August 5.

The appointment of a substantive chief executive is expected to establish permanent leadership at the commission’s secretariat as preparations for the next election continue.

The outcome of the interviews will determine which of the nine shortlisted candidates advances towards appointment to the senior position.

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Former EACC Boss Halakhe Waqo, NACADA CEO Among 9 Shortlisted for IEBC CEO Job