The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan, has resigned from his position at the electoral agency.
The decision was announced on Tuesday, reportedly following an emergency meeting.
IEBC confirmed Marjan’s exit, noting that it will immediately begin the process of appointing a new CEO and Commission Secretary (CS).
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said an interim replacement will take over as Acting CEO/CS to ensure continuity in the commission’s operations.
The commission said the transition is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness, internal accountability, and leadership continuity.
“The IEBC Secretariat is crucial in service delivery on electoral management and related matters. These changes are designed to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability in delivering credible, free, and fair elections in Kenya,” Ethekon said.
The Commission also acknowledged Marjan’s leadership since his formal appointment in March 2022, particularly his role in guiding the Secretariat during periods when the Commission lacked a full complement of commissioners until July 11, 2025.
The commission wished him well in his future endeavours and assured Kenyans that ongoing activities, including by-elections and preparations for the 2027 General Elections, will continue unaffected.
In a statement, Marjan said the decision followed a mutual agreement with the Commission to implement a structured transition in the Office of the Commission Secretary and CEO.
He expressed gratitude to staff and colleagues for their support throughout his tenure.
“Since joining the Commission in April 2015, first as Deputy Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and later as Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, it has been an honour to work with a professional, dedicated, and resilient team committed to the constitutional mandate of the IEBC. Together, we have navigated complex operational demands, institutional transitions, and defining moments in our democratic journey,” he said.
He also thanked staff for their role during the 2022 General Election, noting their dedication under intense public scrutiny helped maintain continuity and strengthened public confidence in the commission.
Marjan described his tenure as an enriching experience, adding that the lessons, relationships and shared purpose would remain with him.
“Stand firm in adhering to the rule of law, uphold integrity in the execution of your duties, and always remain guided by the supreme obligation to protect the democratic rights and interests of the citizens of our beloved Republic,” he said.
Marjan further expressed appreciation to the Commissioners, senior management and all staff for their cooperation, support and collegiality, and acknowledged officers assisting with a smooth handover process.
He was confirmed as IEBC CEO on March 8, 2022, after emerging successful from a shortlist of five candidates.
He was formally sworn into office a week later, ending a long period during which he had served in an acting capacity.
Before his confirmation, Marjan had held the CEO position on an interim basis for five years following the departure of former IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba in 2017.
His tenure, both as acting and substantive CEO, placed him at the centre of the commission’s administrative operations during a prolonged transition period at the electoral body.
