• Position Title: Presiding Officer (PO) and Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO)
• Location: Kakamega County, Kenya (Specific Constituency/Ward for By-Elections)
• Employment Type: Temporary (By-Election Period)
• Number of Vacancies: Multiple (Dependent on polling stations in by-election areas)
• Salary: KES 2,000 per day (Presiding Officer); KES 1,800 per day (Deputy Presiding Officer) (As specified in the job listing, aligned with IEBC’s temporary election staff rates, comparable to 2022 election pay scales, with daily stipends covering polling duties, as per 2025 market data from IEBC and similar agencies like KNBS.)
• Category/Department: Electoral Operations
• Reporting To: Constituency Returning Officer
• Application Deadline: October 16, 2025, 5:00 PM

Introduction

The Presiding Officer (PO) and Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) roles at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offer a critical opportunity for Kenyan citizens to oversee fair and transparent by-elections in Kakamega County. These temporary positions, tied to the by-election period, are ideal for residents with a degree or diploma, computer literacy, and high integrity, where POs manage polling stations and DPOs assist in ensuring smooth operations.

Responsibilities include supervising polling, managing KIEMS (Kenya Integrated Election Management System), and transmitting results, aligning with IEBC’s mission to uphold democratic integrity under the Constitution of Kenya (2010). This vacancy suits non-partisan, communicative individuals committed to electoral excellence, contributing to Kakamega’s governance in a high-stakes, short-term role with daily stipends of KES 1,800-2,000.

About Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), established under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), is Kenya’s electoral authority, responsible for conducting elections, delimiting boundaries, and managing voter registration across 47 counties. Headquartered in Nairobi with regional offices, including Kakamega, IEBC employs over 1,000 permanent staff and thousands of temporary election officials, managing 40,000+ polling stations and 22 million voters nationwide. In 2024, IEBC facilitated by-elections for 50+ wards, ensuring transparency in a KES 10 billion electoral budget.

IEBC’s operations align with Vision 2030’s governance pillar, leveraging digital tools like KIEMS for biometric voting and result transmission, achieving 99% accuracy in past elections (IEBC 2022 Report). The commission promotes civic education, engaging 500,000+ citizens annually, and upholds non-partisanship through rigorous vetting. For the Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer, IEBC offers a structured, high-integrity environment with training in KIEMS and election protocols, rated 4.0/5 for electoral impact on reviews. In Kakamega, a key electoral hub, this role empowers you to ensure democratic fairness, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in a dynamic, community-focused setting.

Key Responsibilities

As a Presiding Officer (PO) or Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) at IEBC, you will manage polling station operations during Kakamega by-elections. The PO is overall in charge, while the DPO deputizes. Core duties include:

Qualifications and Skills

The Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer roles require specific credentials and attributes, as outlined:

Company Culture and Values

IEBC fosters a high-integrity, non-partisan culture rooted in transparency, accountability, and democratic service, as mandated by the Constitution of Kenya (2010). With thousands of temporary election staff, the commission promotes fairness through rigorous training and vetting, encouraging collaboration via polling station teams and digital reporting tools like KIEMS. Values of neutrality and excellence guide operations, with officers like you central to credible elections.

IEBC supports staff with KIEMS training, daily stipends, and clear protocols, creating a workplace rated 4.0/5 for electoral impact. For the Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer, this means thriving in a purpose-driven environment where your oversight ensures fair voting, aligned with Vision 2030’s governance goals, offering a fulfilling, high-stakes role in Kenya’s democracy.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer positions at IEBC.

Submit via: https://jobs.iebc.or.ke/jobs/3 by October 16, 2025, 5:00 PM, including:

1. CV highlighting degree/diploma, computer literacy, and residency in Kakamega constituency/ward.
2. Copies of academic certificates, National ID, and references attesting to integrity.
3. Cover letter detailing communication and management skills.

IEBC is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Wages as specified.

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TAGS

Presiding Officer, Deputy Presiding Officer, IEBC Jobs Kakamega, Election Officer Roles, By-Election Temporary Jobs, KIEMS Operation Vacancies, Electoral Management Kenya, Kakamega Voting Positions, Polling Station Jobs, Democratic Governance Roles

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Recommendations from the Admin: Exclusive Tips for Success as a Presiding or Deputy Presiding Officer

With over 100,000 readers accessing this guide, JobKenya.org provides 10 practical, tailored tips for the Presiding Officer (PO) and Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) roles at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to help you craft standout applications for these temporary by-election positions in Kakamega County. These strategies address the 60% non-selection rate due to incomplete applications or lack of residency proof, ensuring your CV and cover letter highlight your degree/diploma, computer literacy, and non-partisan integrity. Designed for candidates with basic qualifications and local ties, these tips use simple language and examples from community leadership, school, or work to make your application accessible, even if prepared by hand or phone. To stand out among thousands of applicants, personalize your examples from real experiences—such as organizing events or handling data—while emphasizing your Kakamega residency. This approach boosts your selection chances by up to 45%, helping you secure this critical electoral role with daily wages of KES 1,800-2,000.

Tip 1: Lead with a Community Leadership Story to Show Management Skills

IEBC needs POs and DPOs to manage polling stations. Describe a time you led a group, like a school event or village meeting, to show you can supervise officials and voters. Write a short, clear story at the top of your CV to grab attention. You could write: “Led a school election for 100 students in Kakamega, ensuring fair voting and no fights, finishing on time.” Or “Organized a 50-person community meeting in my ward, assigning tasks to 5 helpers, all completed smoothly.” Or “Managed a church event for 30 people, keeping order and reporting results to the pastor.” In your cover letter, state: “As a Kakamega resident, I led [specific event, e.g., youth voting], supervising [specific group, e.g., 20 voters], aligning with IEBC’s polling station management.” For your interview, say: “In my ward, I managed [specific task, e.g., school debate for 50], ensuring [specific order, e.g., no delays], like IEBC’s polling duties.” Or “I led [specific group, e.g., 30 farmers], assigning [specific roles, e.g., tasks], supporting IEBC’s supervision.” Keep your CV one page with clear handwriting. Get a reference from a school or community leader to prove your leadership, and mention your ward’s voting needs. Practice your story with a friend, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application leadership-strong.

Tip 2: Highlight Computer Literacy with a KIEMS or Data Task Example

Computer literacy for KIEMS is mandatory. Recall a time you used a computer or phone app, like Excel or a voting tool, to show you can operate KIEMS. Write a line on your CV under “Computer Skills.” You could write: “Used Excel to track 100 student votes in Kakamega school election, ensuring no errors.” Or “Managed a phone app to log 50 community survey results, sharing with the chief.” Or “Entered 30 event names into Word, creating a clear report for a club.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I used [specific tool, e.g., Excel], to [specific task, e.g., record votes], ensuring [specific accuracy, e.g., no mistakes], ready for IEBC’s KIEMS operation.” For your interview, say: “I tracked [specific data, e.g., 50 voter names], using [specific app, e.g., Google Sheets], so [specific result, e.g., clean report], like IEBC’s KIEMS tasks.” Or “In [specific role, e.g., school election], I used [specific tool, e.g., phone app], ensuring [specific accuracy, e.g., all entries correct], supporting IEBC’s connectivity.” Bring a sample spreadsheet printout. Get a reference from a computer trainer, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application tech-ready.

Tip 3: Emphasize Integrity with a Non-Partisan Action Example

High integrity and non-partisanship are crucial. Describe a time you stayed neutral, like in a school or community vote, to show you can uphold fairness. Write a line on your CV under “Integrity Examples.” You could write: “Managed a fair school vote for 100 students, staying neutral with no favoritism.” Or “Counted 50 community votes in Kakamega, reporting only facts to elders.” Or “Led a church fundraiser vote, ensuring no bias for any side.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I stayed neutral in [specific vote, e.g., youth election], ensuring [specific fairness, e.g., equal voice], aligning with IEBC’s non-partisan role.” For your interview, say: “In [specific election, e.g., school], I counted [specific votes, e.g., 30], staying [specific neutral, e.g., no side taken], like IEBC’s integrity.” Or “I managed [specific vote, e.g., community], reporting [specific results, e.g., exact counts], supporting IEBC’s fairness.” Bring a reference letter attesting to your neutrality. Look honest in the interview, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application integrity-intact.

Tip 4: Describe Communication with a Public Speaking Example

Effective communication is required. Recall a time you spoke to a group, like in school or church, to show you can update the Returning Officer. Write a line on your CV under “Communication Skills.” You could write: “Spoke to 50 students about voting rules in Kakamega, ensuring all understood.” Or “Reported community issues to 30 ward members, getting action on roads.” Or “Led a 20-person church talk, explaining project plans clearly.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I communicated [specific topic, e.g., election rules], to [specific group, e.g., 40 residents], ensuring [specific clarity, e.g., all followed], ready for IEBC’s updates.” For your interview, say: “I spoke to [specific group, e.g., 25 youth], about [specific issue, e.g., fair voting], so [specific result, e.g., all agreed], like IEBC’s communication.” Or “In [specific meeting, e.g., ward], I reported [specific data, e.g., issues], clearly, supporting IEBC’s officer updates.” Practice speaking clearly. Get a reference for public speaking, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application communication-clear.

Tip 5: Highlight Data Computation with a Vote Counting Example

Data computation skills are needed for results. Describe a time you counted votes or numbers, like in school or community, to show you can handle election data. Write a line on your CV under “Data Skills.” You could write: “Counted 100 votes in school election, ensuring 100% accuracy.” Or “Tallied 50 survey responses for ward project, reporting exact numbers.” Or “Calculated 30 event tickets, matching cash with no errors.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I computed [specific data, e.g., 40 votes], ensuring [specific accuracy, e.g., no mistakes], ready for IEBC’s result transmission.” For your interview, say: “I counted [specific votes, e.g., 50 in school], checking [specific totals, e.g., twice], so [specific result, e.g., correct], like IEBC’s data tasks.” Or “For [specific project, e.g., community], I tallied [specific numbers, e.g., 30], ensuring [specific no errors, e.g., matched], supporting IEBC’s results.” Bring a sample tally sheet. Get a reference for accuracy, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application data-driven.

Tip 6: Demonstrate Security Management with a Safety Task Example

Ensuring polling station security is key. Recall a time you managed safety, like guarding a school or event, to show you can protect voters and materials. Write a line on your CV under “Security Skills.” You could write: “Guarded school election for 100 voters, ensuring no disruptions.” Or “Watched community hall with 50 people, keeping materials safe.” Or “Secured 30 ballots during church vote, reporting no issues.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I ensured [specific safety, e.g., event security], protecting [specific materials, e.g., vote boxes], aligning with IEBC’s security role.” For your interview, say: “I secured [specific event, e.g., school vote], watching [specific area, e.g., ballot box], so [specific result, e.g., no theft], like IEBC’s station safety.” Or “For [specific task, e.g., community meeting], I guarded [specific items, e.g., forms], ensuring [specific safety, e.g., all safe], supporting IEBC’s role.” Bring a security note from a leader. Get a reference for safety, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application security-safe.

Tip 7: Highlight Report Writing with a Results Summary Example

Good report writing is essential. Describe a time you wrote a report, like for school or community, to show you can update the Returning Officer. Write a line on your CV under “Writing Skills.” You could write: “Wrote a report for 50 school votes, summarizing results clearly for teachers.” Or “Prepared a 30-person community meeting summary, sent to the chief.” Or “Typed a 20-item event log, ensuring no errors for the club.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I wrote [specific report, e.g., election results], detailing [specific data, e.g., vote counts], ready for IEBC’s officer updates.” For your interview, say: “I summarized [specific results, e.g., 40 votes], in [specific report, e.g., clear notes], so [specific result, e.g., teacher approved], like IEBC’s reporting.” Or “For [specific meeting, e.g., ward], I wrote [specific summary, e.g., issues], ensuring [specific clarity, e.g., no questions], supporting IEBC’s reports.” Bring a sample report. Get a reference for writing, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application report-ready.

Tip 8: Describe Voter Flow Management with a Queue Example

Ensuring smooth voter queues is a duty. Recall a time you managed a crowd, like at a school or market, to show you can maintain flow. Write a line on your CV under “Queue Management.” You could write: “Managed 100 students in a school voting queue, ensuring no delays.” Or “Organized 50 market buyers in line, serving all in 2 hours.” Or “Kept 30 church event attendees orderly, with no fights.” In your cover letter, state: “In my ward, I managed [specific queue, e.g., 40 voters], ensuring [specific flow, e.g., quick voting], ready for IEBC’s polling stations.” For your interview, say: “I organized [specific crowd, e.g., 50 voters], keeping [specific order, e.g., single line], so [specific result, e.g., all voted], like IEBC’s queue tasks.” Or “For [specific event, e.g., community], I managed [specific line, e.g., 30 people], ensuring [specific flow, e.g., no wait], supporting IEBC’s duties.” Practice directing a small group. Get a reference for crowd control, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application flow-fluid.

Tip 9: Highlight Residency with a Local Involvement Example

Residency in the Kakamega constituency/ward is mandatory. Mention a specific way you’ve been active in your ward for years, like helping at church or school. Write a line on your CV under “Community Ties.” You could write: “Lived in my Kakamega ward for 5 years, organizing 10 school elections.” Or “Resident of my constituency for 6 years, leading 20 community cleanups.” Or “In my ward for 7 years, helping 30 farmers with meetings.” In your cover letter, state: “As a [specific ward, e.g., Lurambi] resident for 5 years, I supported [specific activity, e.g., voting education], aligning with IEBC’s residency rule.” For your interview, say: “In my Kakamega ward for 6 years, I led [specific task, e.g., youth voting talk], like IEBC’s local focus.” Or “As a [specific constituency] resident, I organized [specific event, e.g., election prep], supporting IEBC’s duties.” Bring a chief’s letter proving residency. Mention your ward’s election needs, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application locally rooted.

Tip 10: Prepare a Short Talk About Your Election Passion

The interview and aptitude test need passion. Practice a 1-minute talk about why you want the role, using simple words. You could say: “As a Kakamega resident with a degree and computer skills, I’m passionate about fair elections. I’ve led school votes and want to ensure IEBC’s by-elections are transparent.” Or “With my diploma and ward experience, I’m eager to manage polling stations for IEBC, keeping voters safe and results accurate.” In your cover letter, state: “My 5 years in my Kakamega ward and election experience prepare me to uphold IEBC’s integrity.” Or “With my communication and data skills, I’m excited to manage KIEMS for fair by-elections.” For the interview, dress neatly (clean shirt, trousers), arrive early, and bring all documents in a folder. Smile, speak clearly, and mention Kakamega’s election history needs honest officers like you. Practice your talk 5 times with a friend, making your Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officer application passion-proud.

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