Men dominate applications for IEBC Chairperson position

IEBC selection panel Chairperson Dr Nelson Makanda. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The selection panel of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to release the names of 1,356 applicants who have expressed interest in the positions of chairperson and commissioner.

A significant gender disparity has emerged in the applications for the chairperson role, with men overwhelmingly dominating the field.

Out of the 37 applicants, 31 are male, representing 83 percent, while only six women have applied for the top electoral body position.

"The longlist of applicants for the positions is now ready and will be published on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in two national newspapers, the Kenya Gazette, and the Parliamentary Website," said Nelson Makanda, chairperson of the selection panel.

Makanda further disclosed that three of the applicants for the chairperson position are Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs). Additionally, only 17 out of Kenya's 47 counties are represented in the applications for the role.

For the commissioner positions, a total of 1,333 Kenyans submitted applications. Of these, 237 are female, while 1,078 are male, further reflecting a gender imbalance in the recruitment process.

The selection panel reported receiving a total of 1,848 applications by the close of the submission deadline on February 15, 2025.

However, the panel noted several irregularities, including duplicate submissions via email and hard copy, improperly referenced applications, and submissions for positions that were not advertised.

Despite these challenges, Makanda assured the public that the panel is adhering to its schedule and remains committed to completing the recruitment process within the 90-day timeframe stipulated in the First Schedule of the IEBC Act.