The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced temporary job opportunities for qualified Kenyans. The Commission released a notice on Wednesday, January 21, detailing recruitment for key electoral roles nationwide.
IEBC seeks support electoral trainers, presiding officers, deputy presiding officers, and polling clerks. Officials emphasized that these staff members play a vital role in ensuring smooth operations during voting, counting, and tallying.
The Commission clarified that all qualified Kenyan citizens may apply, provided they meet the set requirements. IEBC added that temporary staff will improve efficiency and strengthen credibility in the election process.
Officials confirmed that the temporary roles will operate at multiple levels of election administration. The Commission stressed that staff must demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and strict adherence to responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities of Support Electoral Trainers
Support electoral trainers will conduct training for presiding officers, deputy presiding officers, and polling clerks. Trainers will focus on polling procedures, vote counting, and tallying election results correctly.
Trainers will organize training venues, prepare materials, and supervise personnel at lower levels. IEBC stated that trainers must ensure consistent and effective delivery of election procedures across all locations.
They will collect, secure, and distribute training materials to maintain accountability and proper handling. Trainers will oversee every stage of the training to ensure officials meet IEBC standards.
Officials noted that trainers will report progress and challenges directly to supervisors during training sessions. IEBC emphasized that trainers play a critical role in preparing all election staff for their duties.
Duties of Presiding Officers, Deputies, and Polling Clerks
Presiding officers will manage polling stations and supervise all voting activities on election day. They will distribute materials to clerks and enforce compliance with electoral regulations.
Deputy presiding officers will assist presiding officers in station management and act as second-in-command. They will also support vote counting and deliver results to the constituency returning officer.
Polling clerks will help set up polling stations and counting rooms before voting starts. Clerks will verify voters and assist presiding officers in vote counting and sorting procedures.
IEBC stressed that all election officials must follow procedures carefully and report any irregularities immediately. Officials noted that compliance ensures transparency and reinforces public confidence in the electoral process.
The Commission highlighted that presiding officers, deputies, and clerks must maintain accurate records and secure all materials. This practice ensures accountability and minimizes errors at each stage of the election.
Pay Rates and Application Process
IEBC stated that support electoral trainers will earn Ksh 2,000 per day during their engagement period. Presiding officers will also earn Ksh 2,000 per day, while deputy presiding officers will earn Ksh 1,800 per day.
Polling clerks will receive payments according to their responsibilities and attendance during operations. The Commission added that officials will process payments only after verifying duty completion and attendance records.
Interested applicants must submit applications through the IEBC recruitment portal at iebc.or.ke. Officials clarified that all applications must reach the portal before the Monday, January 26, 2026 deadline.
Applicants should access the “Work With Us” section, navigate to the “Vacancies” drop-down menu, and select the appropriate category. They must complete all fields and upload supporting documents accurately to ensure their applications are considered.
IEBC advised candidates to review applications carefully before submission to avoid errors or omissions. The Commission emphasized that only shortlisted candidates will receive further communication about training and deployment.
Importance of Recruitment for Election Readiness
The Commission noted that recruiting temporary staff ensures proper preparation and smooth execution of electoral operations. Temporary staff will reinforce procedures and provide logistical support to permanent IEBC officials on duty.
Officials emphasized that competent and trained personnel improve operational efficiency and safeguard election integrity. IEBC stated that adequate staffing allows voters to participate safely and ensures results are counted accurately.
The Commission reminded all interested Kenyans to apply only through the official portal. IEBC warned that applications submitted through unofficial channels will not receive consideration or follow-up.
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