The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Ruth Kulundu as its Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary following the expiry of Moses Sunkuli’s six-month term in the acting position.
The appointment, announced in an internal memo dated August 4, 2026, takes effect on Wednesday, August 5, and is intended to ensure continuity at the electoral commission as it continues preparations for the 2027 General Election.
According to the memo signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, Kulundu will serve in the acting capacity for two months or until the recruitment and appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer.
“The Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer/Commission Secretary, effective August 5, 2026,” Ethekon said in the communication.
IEBC Seeks Smooth Leadership Transition
In the memo addressed to all IEBC staff, Ethekon urged employees to support Kulundu during the transition period to ensure the Commission’s operations continue without disruption.
“During this transition, the Commission requests all staff members to extend their full cooperation and support to Ms Kulundu to ensure our operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently,” he stated.
The appointment comes as the electoral commission continues implementing key administrative activities ahead of the next General Election, including the recruitment of a substantive CEO.
Experienced Administrator Takes Over
Kulundu holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the same institution.
Her appointment is expected to provide administrative continuity at the Commission’s secretariat while the recruitment process for a substantive CEO is underway.
The acting CEO will oversee the Commission’s day-to-day administrative functions as IEBC continues preparations for upcoming electoral activities.
Ethekon Thanks Outgoing Acting CEO
While announcing the appointment, Ethekon also thanked Moses Sunkuli for serving as Acting CEO over the past six months.
He acknowledged Sunkuli’s contribution during a period of transition within the electoral body.
The leadership change marks another administrative milestone for the Commission as it strengthens its management structure ahead of the 2027 polls.
Recruitment of Substantive CEO Ongoing
Kulundu’s appointment comes just a week after IEBC formally declared the position of Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer vacant following the resignation of former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, who stepped down in February.
In a notice published on July 28, the Commission invited qualified candidates to apply for the position.
According to the vacancy notice, the successful applicant will be appointed on a four-year contract, renewable once for a further four years subject to satisfactory performance.
Details of the recruitment process and vacancies are available on the official IEBC Careers portal at https://www.iebc.or.ke/careers.
With preparations for the 2027 General Election gathering pace, the recruitment of a substantive CEO is expected to be a key milestone in strengthening the Commission’s leadership and operational readiness.
