Roles, Responsibilities and Pay of IEBC Deputy Presiding Officers (DPOs)

When Kenyans go to the polls, behind every polling station is a team of election officials ensuring the process is fair, transparent, and orderly. Among this team, Deputy Presiding Officers (DPOs) play a critical support role. In this guide, we explore exactly what Deputy Presiding Officers do, how much they are paid, and what qualifications are required. Whether you’re considering applying for the role or just curious about how IEBC runs its operations, this article provides a full breakdown.

Who Is a Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO)?

A Deputy Presiding Officer works under the Presiding Officer (PO) to manage polling stations during elections. DPOs help run the day-to-day operations, support decision-making, and ensure polling proceeds smoothly and in accordance with IEBC rules.

Duties & Responsibilities of a Deputy Presiding Officer

Here’s a detailed look at what DPOs are expected to do before, during, and after polling day:

1. Assisting with Polling Station Setup
   • Helps the Presiding Officer in demarcating and laying out the polling station.
   • Ensures all necessary election materials (ballots, KIEMS kits, power banks, security materials) are in place.
2. Supporting Voter Identification & Verification
   • Assists in verifying voters’ identities, often using the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system.
   • Ensures that voters are correctly matched to the voter register and polling station.
3. Managing Ballot Issuance
   • Helps issue ballot papers to voters after confirming their identity.
   • Ensures each ballot is valid, stamped where necessary, and that voters are allowed to cast their vote in secrecy.
4. Maintaining Order and Security
   • Works with the Presiding Officer to maintain law and order at the polling station.
   • Manages the flow of voters, prevents intimidation, and ensures a peaceful voting environment.
5. Vote Counting & Result Handling
   • After the polls close, assist in counting votes, tallying results, and verifying the counts.
   • Prepares results documentation and helps transmit the results to the Returning Officer (RO) or higher tallying centers.
6. Administrative Duties
   • Keeps detailed records: number of voters, spoilt ballots, irregularities during polling.
   • Assists in training polling clerks and counting clerks.
   • Responsible for ensuring the secure handover of materials and documents to the Returning Officer after polling.
7. Deputation & Miscellaneous Tasks
   • In many cases, the DPO “deputizes” the Presiding Officer — stepping in when the PO is unavailable or overwhelmed.
   • May be asked to perform other duties assigned by the Returning Officer.

Requirements for Deputy Presiding Officers

To be eligible for the role of a DPO with IEBC, candidates typically need:

• Kenyan citizenship, and must be non-partisan (i.e., not actively affiliated with a political party).
• A Diploma or Degree certificate from a recognized institution.
• Basic computer literacy is required, as they deal with electronic systems (such as KIEMS).
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage people and sensitive election data.
• Be available for the entire election period, including training days and polling days.
• Integrity: IEBC requires very high standards of integrity; DPOs must follow the Commission’s code of conduct.
• Residency in the constituency or ward where they serve.

IEBC Deputy Presiding Officers’ Salary / Compensation

Compensation for DPOs is typically daily-based, reflecting the temporary and election-specific nature of their role.

• According to job adverts, DPOs are paid KSh 1,800 per day during elections.
• In some newer IEBC job adverts, this rate has been reaffirmed at KSh 1,800/day. 
• On Glassdoor, reported monthly pay (which may reflect a longer-term or non-election engagement) is around KSh 20,000–KSh 30,000.
• For annualized data (if someone were engaged regularly or for many election cycles), total annual pay is cited between KSh 240,000 – KSh 360,000, according to anonymous user data on Glassdoor.

Allowances:
enges & Considerations for DPOs

• Long Hours & Intensity: Being a DPO is not just “two days of work” — there are training days, polling days, and counting days, often under time pressure.
• Responsibility: DPOs handle critical tasks — from managing election materials to transmitting results — so there is high accountability.
• Delayed Payment: Some election officials report that payment may not always be immediate after election duty. (This is anecdotal but common in mass election staffing.)
• Mobility: Some polling stations are in remote areas, which means accommodation and transport logistics become significant.
• Temporary Nature: This is not a permanent IEBC job; most DPO engagements are contract-based for the duration of the election cycle.

Why the Role Matters

Deputy Presiding Officers are essential for efficient, credible, and transparent elections. They act as the backbone of polling stations, ensuring:

• Voter verifications are done correctly
• Ballots are handled securely
• Results are tallied accurately
• The polling environment remains orderly

Their work helps to uphold the integrity of the election process, which is fundamental to democracy.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in serving as a DPO:

1. Watch IEBC Job Announcements: IEBC typically advertises polling-day roles (Presiding Officers, DPOs, clerks) ahead of each major election.
2. Prepare Your Application: Make sure you have your diploma/degree certificate, proof of identity, and a CV.
3. Be Ready for Training: Selected DPOs undergo training before elections — attendance is usually mandatory.
4. Understand the Commitment: Be clear on how many days you’ll be on duty, where, and whether you’ll need accommodation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to participate in Kenya’s democratic process, serving as a Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) with IEBC is a powerful opportunity. While the role demands responsibility, long hours, and a serious commitment, it also offers a chance to play a frontline role in safeguarding the integrity of elections — all while earning a daily stipend (plus possible allowances).

Whether you’re applying for the next election or just learning how IEBC staff operate, understanding the duties, requirements, and compensation for DPOs is essential.