The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a strong public alert warning Kenyans to stay away from fraudulent job advertisements circulating on social media as preparations for the upcoming February 26, 2026 by-elections gather momentum.
In a statement posted on X on January 15, 2026, the electoral body said scammers have flooded online platforms with fake recruitment notices designed to trap desperate job seekers.
“Fake News Alert! Beware of fraudulent job advertisements on social media. For accurate and up-to-date information, please visit our official website(https://iebc.or.ke) and our verified social media platforms(@IEBCKenya),” the IEBC stated.
The commission emphasized that it only releases genuine recruitment information through its official website and verified social media pages, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid unofficial platforms.
Scammers Exploit By-Election Hiring Expectations
The IEBC explained that fraudsters are taking advantage of the usual temporary hiring of polling staff during election periods to push fake adverts that claim the commission has opened applications for positions such as polling clerks and election assistants.
According to the commission, these scam messages imitate official IEBC communication and use deceptive wording to lure victims into clicking fake recruitment links.
Some of the misleading messages falsely state:
“IEBC invites interested and qualified candidates to apply for various positions… To apply, please use the official portal below,”
followed by links that do not belong to the commission.
The IEBC clarified that it has not announced any recruitment for polling personnel and that all such claims currently circulating online are false.
IEBC Names Official Recruitment Portal
The commission also flagged several unauthorized and malicious links being shared on social media and warned Kenyans not to open or submit personal information through them.
IEBC stressed that https://jobs.iebc.or.ke is the only official IEBC recruitment portal, and any other website advertising IEBC jobs is fraudulent.
The commission cautioned that engaging with fake links could expose users to identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of personal data.
“Applicants should ignore any messages, links, or adverts claiming to offer IEBC jobs outside these official channels,” the commission warned.
IEBC Opens Accreditation for Observers and Media
While it has not announced polling staff recruitment, the IEBC has officially invited organizations to apply for accreditation as election observers and media practitioners ahead of the February 26, 2026 by-elections.
The commission said all applications must go through the IEBC Accreditation Management System via https://ams.iebc.or.ke by Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5 pm.
The IEBC advised applicants to use a stable and reliable internet connection when submitting their details online.
Once approved, the commission will train and issue official badges to accredited observers and media practitioners, allowing them access to polling stations and tallying centers. However, the IEBC clarified that accredited individuals will not receive payment for their participation.
How to Contact IEBC for Official Information
For further inquiries, Kenyans can contact the commission via [email protected] or call 020 2877000.
The IEBC also continues to share verified updates through its official social media accounts @IEBCKenya on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
As the by-elections draw closer, the commission urged the public to rely only on official IEBC platforms to avoid falling victim to scams targeting election-related job seekers.
