A Presiding Officer (PO) is one of the most important officials during elections in Kenya. This individual is appointed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to manage and supervise the operations of a polling station. Their role ensures that the electoral process is smooth, transparent, and credible.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what a Presiding Officer does, the qualifications required, how much they are paid, and everything else Kenyans search for online about this job.
What Is a Presiding Officer?
A Presiding Officer is the head of a polling station. They coordinate all election activities, oversee clerks and other staff, manage election materials, and ensure that the voting, counting, and results reporting are conducted according to IEBC guidelines.
They work with a Deputy Presiding Officer, polling clerks, ICT officers (where applicable), and security officials.
Key Responsibilities of a Presiding Officer
The duties of a Presiding Officer are wide-ranging and critical for guaranteeing a smooth election. These include:
1. Preparing and Setting Up the Polling Station
The PO ensures the polling station is properly arranged, accessible, and ready for voters. This includes verifying that all materials and equipment are present and in working condition.
2. Supervising Polling Officials
The PO oversees the Deputy Presiding Officer, clerks, and support staff, assigning duties and ensuring everyone follows the set procedures.
3. Managing Election Materials
They are responsible for all election materials, such as ballot papers, ballot boxes, voter registers, KIEMS kits, power banks, seals, and reporting forms.
4. Opening and Closing the Polling Station
The PO conducts the official opening of the polling station, announces the start of voting, and ensures polling closes at the correct time. They verify and test electronic equipment before voting begins.
5. Ensuring Order and Security
A Presiding Officer maintains order within the polling station, manages the flow of voters, handles disputes, and works closely with stationed security officers.
6. Guiding Voters and Enforcing Rules
They ensure that voters follow the correct procedures — from identification, verification, marking ballots, and depositing them in the correct boxes.
7. Coordinating the Counting and Tallying of Votes
After voting ends, the PO leads the counting process. They supervise clerks, ensure transparency, and guide party agents on proper observation rules.
8. Declaring and Posting Results
Once counting and tallying are complete, the Presiding Officer fills the result forms, announces the results, and posts a copy publicly at the polling station.
9. Transmitting Results
They transmit the results electronically using the KIEMS kit and then hand over physical forms to the Returning Officer.
10. Returning Election Materials
After the exercise, the PO ensures all equipment, forms, and unused materials are safely collected, sealed, and returned.
Qualifications & Requirements for Presiding Officers
To be recruited as a Presiding Officer, applicants must generally meet these requirements:
- Be a Kenyan citizen and non-partisan
- Hold at least a Diploma (a Degree is an added advantage)
- Be computer literate and comfortable using electronic election systems
- Have strong communication and report-writing skills
- Be able to supervise staff and manage sensitive materials
- Possess high integrity and must sign a code of conduct
- Reside in the ward or constituency where they will work
- Be available for the full election training and deployment period
Challenges Faced by Presiding Officers
The job can be demanding and stressful. Common challenges include:
1. Long Working Hours
Election day begins before dawn and may extend late into the night due to counting and reporting.
2. High Pressure and Scrutiny
The PO works under close observation from party agents, candidates, and sometimes the public.
3. Technical and Logistical Issues
Challenges may arise from faulty equipment, delays in receiving materials, or power problems.
4. Security Concerns
In areas with high political tension, maintaining peace and protecting materials can be challenging.
5. Full Accountability
Even minor mistakes in forms, counts, or transmission can trigger disputes, making accuracy essential.
Salary: How Much Does a Presiding Officer Earn in Kenya?
Presiding Officers in Kenya are hired temporarily and paid allowances, not salaries.
The typical IEBC pay structure is as follows:
- Presiding Officer: Approximately Ksh 2,000 per day
- Deputy Presiding Officer: About Ksh 1,800 per day
The engagement usually lasts around 10 to 13 days (including training, preparation, voting day, and post-election reporting), meaning the total pay can range between:
Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 26,000
(depending on the number of days worked and the specific election cycle)
Note: These figures may vary from one election year to another based on IEBC’s revised guidelines.
Why the Presiding Officer Role Matters
Presiding Officers are the foundation of Kenya’s electoral integrity. They:
- Ensure the voting process is transparent
- Protect election materials
- Guarantee accurate vote counting
- Uphold public confidence in the election outcome
- Serve as the official source of verified polling station results
Without competent POs, free and fair elections would be impossible.
Conclusion
A Presiding Officer plays a central role in Kenya’s electoral system. From managing polling staff and equipment to ensuring smooth voting, counting, and results transmission, the PO ensures the credibility of elections. Though temporary, the position is demanding and requires responsibility, accuracy, integrity, and professionalism.
Drop Your Comments, What do you think About The Article?