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ADVERThttps://youtu.be/Sny2O4mVqxU?feature=sharedElectoral commission says publishing all 304 applications was a deliberate transparency measure, insisting that foreign nationals were screened out for failing to meet Kenya’s citizenship requirements.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended its decision to publish the names of foreign nationals who applied for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), saying the disclosure was part of its commitment to transparency, accountability and openness in public recruitment.
The publication of the applicants’ names sparked public curiosity and debate over how non-Kenyans came to feature in the race for one of the country’s most sensitive public appointments, particularly at a time when the electoral commission is preparing for the consequential August 2027 General Election.
IEBC, however, maintains that there was nothing irregular about receiving applications from foreign nationals. According to the commission, the position was publicly advertised, allowing interested individuals to submit their credentials, but the opportunity to apply did not automatically translate into eligibility for appointment.
The commission explained that publishing the names of all 304 applicants was a deliberate decision informed by constitutional principles of transparency and public access to information. Under Article 35 of the Constitution, Kenyans are entitled to access information held by the State, while Article 232 requires public institutions to uphold transparency, accountability, fair competition and merit in public service.
ADVERTThe critical distinction, IEBC insists, is between submitting an application and satisfying the statutory qualifications for appointment.
Kenyan citizenship was a mandatory requirement for the position of Commission Secretary and CEO. Other requirements included a recognised university degree, at least five years of senior management experience and compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
Consequently, foreign nationals who submitted applications were eliminated during preliminary screening after failing to satisfy the citizenship requirement. IEBC maintains that the final shortlist comprised Kenyan citizens whose identification documents, citizenship status and academic qualifications had undergone verification.
The recruitment attracted 304 applications, with nine candidates eventually making the shortlist for interviews scheduled for November 12 and 13, 2026. They are Anthony Omerikwa, Halakhe Waqo, Harley Mutisya, Edmund Odiwuor Malitt, Andrew Gitau Kimani, Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Martina Wato Yattani and Nelly Ilongo.
In an additional measure aimed at strengthening public confidence, IEBC engaged KPMG Kenya to oversee key aspects of the recruitment process, including advertisement, receipt of applications, evaluation of credentials, longlisting and shortlisting.
Nevertheless, the publication of the applicants’ list has generated further scrutiny, with the People’s Coalition on Electoral Reforms, associated with former Chief Justice David Maraga, raising questions about approximately 44 names it considered questionable and demanding greater clarity on the authenticity of applications and citizenship verification.
The concerns underscore the importance of rigorous background checks, although a person’s name or perceived ethnic origin cannot, on its own, establish nationality. Official identification and citizenship records remain the appropriate basis for determining eligibility.
For IEBC, the controversy presents an opportunity to demonstrate that its recruitment procedures are not only transparent on paper but also rigorous, impartial and defensible under public scrutiny.
The CEO’s office is particularly consequential. Beyond providing administrative leadership to the commission, the successful candidate will oversee the Secretariat and coordinate critical operational functions in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Ultimately, IEBC’s explanation reinforces an important principle of public recruitment: an open application process does not mean that every applicant qualifies for appointment. Indeed, the publication of all applicants’ names should be viewed as an exercise in disclosure rather than an endorsement of their eligibility.
But transparency must go beyond publishing names. It must be reflected in credible verification, consistent application of the law and an appointment process that leaves no reasonable doubt about the integrity of the eventual successful candidate.
With public confidence in electoral institutions already a critical national concern, IEBC has little room for administrative ambiguity. The credibility of the 2027 elections will depend not only on how Kenyans cast their ballots, but also on the competence, independence and integrity of those entrusted with managing the electoral machinery.
