IEBC Appoints Ruth Kulundu as Acting CEO Ahead of 2027 Election Preparations
Kulundu officially assumes office on Wednesday, August 5, following the expiry of Moses Sunkuli’s six-month tenure as acting CEO.
The appointment, communicated through an internal memo dated August 4, 2026, was announced by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who said the move is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations while the Commission recruits a substantive Chief Executive Officer.
The transition comes at a critical period for the electoral commission, which is currently implementing institutional reforms, strengthening internal operations and preparing for activities leading up to Kenya’s next General Election.
Kulundu to Serve for Two Months
According to the memo circulated to all IEBC employees, Kulundu will hold the acting position for two months or until the Commission completes the recruitment and appointment of a permanent CEO.
“The Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer/Commission Secretary, effective August 5, 2026,” IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated in the communication.
IEBC officials believe uninterrupted leadership is essential as the Commission undertakes several key programmes, including administrative planning, voter registration preparations and institutional restructuring.
Staff Urged to Support New Acting CEO
In his communication, Ethekon called on all members of staff to cooperate fully with Kulundu to ensure that the Commission continues delivering its constitutional mandate efficiently.
“During this transition, the Commission requests all staff members to extend their full cooperation and support to Ms Kulundu to ensure our operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently,” Ethekon said.
The IEBC chair emphasized that teamwork and institutional stability remain critical as the Commission continues implementing reforms designed to strengthen public confidence in Kenya’s electoral management body.
Experienced Administrator Takes Over
Kulundu brings extensive academic and administrative experience to the role.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from the same institution.
Observers note that the acting CEO will play a key role in overseeing administrative functions, financial management and coordination of Commission activities during the transition period.
Tribute to Outgoing Acting CEO
While announcing the appointment, Ethekon also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Acting CEO Moses Sunkuli, who served in the position for the past six months.
The Commission expressed appreciation for his leadership during a period marked by organizational transition and preparations for upcoming electoral activities.
Although Sunkuli’s temporary assignment has now come to an end, IEBC officials credited him with helping maintain institutional operations during the leadership transition.
Recruitment of Substantive CEO Underway
On July 28, the Commission advertised the position, inviting qualified candidates to apply for the country’s top electoral administrative office.
According to the vacancy notice, the successful applicant will serve on a four-year renewable contract, with renewal subject to satisfactory performance.
The recruitment process is expected to attract candidates from both the public and private sectors with extensive experience in governance, administration and institutional leadership.
Focus Turns to 2027 Elections
The latest leadership changes come as IEBC intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election, widely expected to be one of Kenya’s most closely contested polls.
Political analysts say stable leadership at the Commission will be crucial in ensuring public confidence as Kenya moves closer to another national election cycle.
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IEBC Appoints Ruth Kulundu as Acting CEO Ahead of 2027 Election Preparations
