Editor's Review

More than 700 Kenyans have applied to fill the role of four commissioners advertised by the IEBC.

Over 700 Kenyans have applied to fill four commissioner jobs at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, all eying the mouth watering Ksh621,250 a month salary.

The IEBC selection panel for the commissioner jibs revealed that more than 700 Kenyans submitted their applications as at the dusk of Monday 17, 2021.

This comes at a time when a many Kenyans lost their jobs owing to the economic turmoil brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The panel highlighted the increased demand for high paying jobs, noting that normally, they receive less than 100 applications for such jobs.

"The selection panel wishes to inform the public that at the close of the application period, over 700 applications were received for the four vacancies," the panel's chairperson Elizabeth Muli stated.

The vacancies were occasioned by the resignation of Vice Chairperson Cornie Nkatha Maina, commissioners Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya. Roselyne Akombe resigned prior to the October 26, 2017 repeat elections.

This left only Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, and commissioners Abdi Guliye, and Boya Molu.

According to the IEBC Act, the commission needs to meet a quorum of seven members to undertake its business, which includes oversight of elections.

The commissioner jobs jobs come with heavy perks and a six-year non renewable term. Upon completion of the term, commissioners are entitled to a hefty package-31 per cent of the total earnings pocketed during the 6-year term.

The officials enjoy allowances such as a driver, airtime, security and an official car.