For many Kenyans, working as a Polling Clerk for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) represents a unique opportunity to participate directly in the democratic process while earning a competitive daily wage.
The IEBC has recently advertised numerous temporary electoral positions, including over 20,000 roles for the upcoming voter registration and by-elections, with Polling Clerk positions being among the most numerous.
Suppose you’re considering applying for this important temporary position. In that case, this guide covers everything you need to know about Polling Clerk duties, qualifications, daily salary, and the application process for the IEBC recruitment.
What is a Polling Clerk?
A Polling Clerk is a temporary electoral official employed by the IEBC to assist in the conduct of elections at the polling station level.
They work under the direct supervision of a Presiding Officer and play a hands-on role in ensuring that voters can cast their ballots in a smooth, orderly, and secret manner.
These positions are typically filled by local residents within the specific Constituency or County Assembly Ward where the polling station is located, making them ideal opportunities for community members to contribute to the electoral process in their own areas.
Breakdown of Polling Clerk Duties in Kenya
The role of a Polling Clerk is multifaceted, requiring attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to work long hours on election day. Based on official IEBC job descriptions and electoral guidelines, here are the key duties and responsibilities:
Pre-Election Day Duties
- Polling Station Setup: Assist the Presiding Officer in laying out and setting up the polling station before voting begins, which includes setting up polling booths and ensuring the area is clean and tidy.
- Display of Materials: Demarcate the polling station and display official posters, statutory notices, and voter education materials to guide voters through the process.
Election Day Responsibilities
- Queue Management: Control voter queues and guide electors to their correct polling streams to maintain order throughout the voting process.
- Voter Identification: Verify voters’ details in the official voter register and confirm their identity.
- Fraud Prevention: Confirm that voters haven’t already voted by inspecting their fingers for the indelible ink mark.
- Ballot Paper Issuance: Issue officially stamped ballot papers to voters who have been duly identified and cleared to vote.
- Register Marking: Check and mark voters’ electoral numbers in the register of electors to indicate they have voted.
- Voting Secrecy: Ensure that voters cast their votes in secret and place their marked ballot papers into the correct ballot box.
- Assistance to Voters: Provide appropriate assistance to voters, particularly those with disabilities or who require help accessing the polling station.
Post-Voting Duties
- Vote Counting Assistance: After polls close, assist the Presiding Officer with sorting and counting the votes cast.
- Station Dismantling: Help dismantle the polling station setup and ensure the building is returned to its original good order.
- Material Security: Ensure the security of all election materials under your custody throughout the process.
Polling Clerk Salary and Compensation in Kenya
The IEBC offers competitive daily rates for its temporary electoral staff. For the 2025 recruitment, the compensation structure is as follows:
| Position | Daily Salary |
|---|---|
| Polling Clerk/Counting Clerk | Ksh 1,000 |
| Deputy Presiding Officer | Ksh 1,800 |
| Presiding Officer | Ksh 2,000 |
It’s important to note that Polling Clerks receive the Ksh 1,000 rate for their service on election day, which typically involves a long work shift from early morning until late night.
Qualifications and Requirements for Polling Clerks
The IEBC has established clear eligibility criteria for Polling Clerk positions. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship and Integrity: Be a Kenyan citizen of high integrity with sound moral character.
- Academic Qualifications: Hold a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with an aggregate score of C- or above.
- Residency Requirement: Be a resident of the specific Constituency or County Assembly Ward where they are applying to work.
- Non-Partisanship: Must be non-partisan with no political affiliations or bias, and must not have been involved in any candidate’s campaign activities.
- Availability: Must be available for the entire period of the electoral exercise, including any required training sessions before election day.
- Good Character: Must not have any criminal record, particularly any convictions under Electoral Legislation.
How to Apply for Polling Clerk Positions in Kenya
The application process for IEBC Polling Clerk positions is straightforward but requires attention to detail:
- Check Official Channels: Monitor the official IEBC website (www.iebc.or.ke) and their verified social media accounts (@IEBCKenya) for recruitment advertisements.
- Online Application: Submit your application through the official IEBC recruitment portal when positions are advertised. You’ll need to create an account, provide accurate personal details, and upload required documents.
- Document Preparation: Have your academic certificates (especially the KCSE certificate), National ID, KRA PIN certificate, and Certificate of Good Conduct ready.
- Meet the Deadline: Ensure you submit your application before the specified deadline. For the current recruitment cycle, the deadline is October 16, 2025.
Important Considerations for Prospective Polling Clerks
Working Conditions
Polling Clerks should be prepared for a demanding day that typically starts at 6:30 AM and ends after 10 PM, following the close of polls and subsequent counting. Staff are generally not permitted to leave the polling station premises during polling hours, so bringing personal refreshments is advisable.
Secrecy and Neutrality
All Polling Clerk staff must maintain the secrecy of the ballot and remain politically neutral throughout their service. You will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging these obligations, and violations can lead to immediate dismissal and potential legal consequences.
Avoiding Scams
The IEBC cautions applicants to beware of fraudulent recruitment schemes. Remember that genuine IEBC recruitment is free of charge, and the Commission will never ask for payment to facilitate the hiring process. All applications should be made through official channels only.
Conclusion
Serving as a Polling Clerk for the IEBC is both a civic responsibility and a valuable employment opportunity for thousands of Kenyans during election periods. With a clear understanding of the Polling Clerk duties, competitive Ksh 1,000 daily salary, and straightforward application requirements, you are now equipped with the essential information to pursue this temporary position.
As the IEBC continues to strengthen Kenya’s electoral processes, the role of diligent, non-partisan Polling Clerks remains fundamental to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
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