Kenya Electoral Body Offers Daily Pay Up to 2,000 Shillings for February By-Election Jobs
Nairobi, 21 January 2026
Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission launches recruitment for temporary electoral positions with competitive daily wages ahead of February 26th by-elections. Support Electoral Trainers earn the highest rate at 2,000 shillings daily, whilst Presiding Officers receive identical compensation and Deputy Presiding Officers earn 1,800 shillings per day. The commission seeks staff for four crucial by-elections across Isiolo, Embu, and Kakamega counties following recent parliamentary and ward seat vacancies. Applications close January 26th through the commission’s online portal, targeting Kenyan citizens with varying educational qualifications from KCSE Grade C- for clerks to diplomas for senior positions.
Electoral Vacancy Crisis Sparks Recruitment Drive
The recruitment announcement follows a series of political upheavals that have left crucial seats vacant across multiple counties. The Isiolo South parliamentary seat became vacant after MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu’s death in November 2025, whilst Muminji and Evurore ward seats in Embu County were vacated when sitting Members of County Assembly resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in November 2025 [1]. West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County also requires representation through the upcoming electoral process [2]. These circumstances have created an immediate need for electoral personnel across three counties, with the IEBC setting February 26, 2026, as the polling date according to gazette notices published on December 18 and 19, 2025 [1].
Structured Pay Scales Reflect Role Responsibilities
The commission has established a clear compensation structure that reflects the varying levels of responsibility across positions. Support Electoral Trainers command the highest daily wage at 2,000 shillings, matching the compensation for Presiding Officers who will head polling stations [1][2]. Deputy Presiding Officers receive 1,800 shillings per day for their support roles, whilst Polling and Counting Clerks earn 1,000 shillings daily for their assistance duties [1][2]. These rates represent competitive compensation for temporary electoral work, with the highest-paid positions requiring degree or diploma qualifications alongside computer literacy and proven training skills [2]. The pay structure demonstrates the IEBC’s recognition of the specialized skills and responsibilities required for different electoral roles.
Comprehensive Role Requirements and Duties
Support Electoral Trainers face the most comprehensive responsibilities, tasked with training presiding officers, deputy presiding officers, and clerks on polling, counting, and tallying procedures [2]. Their duties extend to setting up training venues, organising required materials, supervising lower-level training clusters, and ensuring the security of all electoral training materials [1]. Presiding Officers will oversee polling stations entirely, managing voter flow, supervising KIEMS kit usage, and maintaining regular communication with Constituency Returning Officers [2]. Deputy Presiding Officers support these functions whilst Polling and Counting Clerks handle voter verification, ballot paper distribution, and vote sorting during counting processes [1][2]. All positions require applicants to be Kenyan citizens of high integrity and non-partisan, with residency requirements in the constituency or ward where they apply [1][2].
Application Process and Strategic Electoral Preparation
Interested candidates must submit applications through the IEBC’s online portal at jobs.iebc.or.ke before the Monday, January 26, 2026 deadline [1][2]. The application process requires candidates to navigate to the ‘Work With Us’ section, access the ‘Vacancies’ area, and select from three categories of job openings [1]. Registration and nomination of candidates will occur on January 22 and 23, 2026, with voter registration and revision suspended in Isiolo South Constituency until March 30, 2026 [1]. This recruitment drive represents part of the IEBC’s broader strategy to enhance credible, transparent, and efficient electoral processes, with the commission emphasising that these positions are critical to the smooth conduct of the upcoming by-elections [2]. The structured approach to recruitment and training demonstrates the electoral body’s commitment to maintaining professional standards across all levels of electoral administration.