The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan, has stepped down, the Commission announced on Tuesday.
According to IEBC, the decision followed a mutual agreement to terminate his services.
Marjan was appointed CEO in recognition of his strong academic and professional background in finance, auditing, and strategic management. Born in 1979, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi.
He is a certified accountant and audit professional, widely known for his expertise in finance, audit, and organizational leadership.
Before joining public service, Marjan spent over 20 years at Telkom Kenya, where he served as Head of Internal Audit, Investigation, and Quality. In March 2015, he joined IEBC as Deputy Commission Secretary in charge of Support Services, later becoming the entity’s Lead Coordinator.
Following the exit of former CEO Ezra Chiloba in 2017, Marjan took over as Acting CEO in September 2017, a role he held for nearly five years.
In March 2022, he was confirmed as the substantive CEO, selected from a shortlist of five candidates, ending a prolonged vacancy at the commission’s top administrative post.
As CEO, Marjan led the IEBC Secretariat, the administrative arm responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Kenya’s electoral body.
He oversaw preparations and operations during the 2022 Kenyan general election, bringing stability to the organisation after years of acting leadership.
Marjan’s professional qualifications are extensive. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K) and a practising member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
He also holds certifications as an Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Internal Auditor (CIA), Control Self-Assessment specialist (CCSA), and Certified Quality Assessor (CQA). These credentials placed him at the centre of financial oversight, risk management, and institutional governance within the commission.
He was also a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), reflecting his expertise in audit systems, internal controls, and corporate governance.
As IEBC CEO, he served as the commission’s accounting officer and head of the Secretariat, overseeing day-to-day operations while supporting the implementation of decisions made by commissioners.
In acknowledging his service, IEBC described Marjan as a committed public servant who provided professional leadership during a critical phase in the institution’s operations.
“We particularly thank him for steering the Commission Secretariat during the period of absence of the Commissioners,” said IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon.
The Commission said the leadership transition comes as it embarks on internal reforms within the Secretariat, aimed at strengthening accountability, improving performance, and ensuring continuity in leadership.
These changes are intended to enhance institutional preparedness ahead of key electoral milestones.
“The IEBC Secretariat is very crucial in service delivery on electoral management and related matters, and the Commission intends that it reflects the level of preparedness, passion, and commitment required to deliver credible, free, and fair elections in Kenya,” the statement added.
Marjan’s tenure at IEBC is notable for bringing stability during a turbulent period in the commission’s history.
His oversight of the administrative and financial operations ensured that the Secretariat could effectively support electoral processes, even during periods when commissioner appointments were delayed or absent.
His departure marks the start of a new chapter for the commission as it strengthens internal structures and prepares for future elections.
IEBC did not immediately announce a replacement for the CEO role but emphasized that the Secretariat would continue to operate without disruption.
Officials said the transition is part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery, ensuring that Kenya’s electoral management remains robust and transparent.
Marjan leaves behind a record of professionalism, extensive institutional knowledge, and a commitment to upholding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system.
The Commission thanked him for his years of dedicated service and leadership, which will be remembered as a critical period in the evolution of IEBC’s administrative capacity.
