The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Ruth Kulundu as its acting Chief Executive Officer, handing her the responsibility of steering the electoral agency through a key transition period as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.

The appointment takes effect from Wednesday, August 5, following the expiry of the six-month acting tenure of Moses Sunkuli.

In an internal memo to staff dated August 4, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said Kulundu would serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary for up to two months or until the commission recruits and appoints a substantive CEO.

"The Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer/Commission Secretary, effective August 5, 2026," Ethekon said.

He also urged employees to support the transition and maintain normal operations during the interim period.

"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," the chairperson added.

The leadership change comes at a crucial moment for the commission, which is rebuilding its administrative structures after the appointment of new commissioners and is expected to accelerate preparations for Kenya's next General Election.

The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day running of the commission, overseeing election planning, procurement, voter registration, staff management and implementation of decisions made by the commissioners. The role is also central to coordinating preparations for future electoral exercises.

Kulundu's appointment provides continuity while the commission finalises the recruitment of a substantive chief executive. Filling the position is expected to be among the IEBC's immediate priorities as it works to strengthen institutional capacity ahead of the 2027 polls.

The electoral agency has already begun rebuilding key departments following the reconstitution of the commission after an extended period without a fully constituted leadership.

The latest appointment is therefore seen as part of broader efforts to ensure administrative stability while long-term leadership positions are filled.

Although the acting appointment is limited to two months, the period is expected to be significant as the commission continues internal reforms and lays the groundwork for future electoral milestones.

IEBC has not yet announced when interviews or the final appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer will be completed.