The government has officially commenced the search for a new chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in a move that aims to enhance police oversight and accountability in Kenya.

In a notice issued by the selection panel via MyGov on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the panel, chaired by Reuben Chirchir, has called on eligible candidates to apply for the prestigious post in a public notice in accordance with the IPOA Act, CAP 86.

The chairperson will preside over the authority’s board, which is vital for policing operations and transparency in the National Police Service.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 11(3) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, CAP 86, the Selection Panel invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of Chairperson of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” the IPOA notice stated in part

Strict eligibility criteria

There are rigorous requirements for candidates. The criteria include being a Kenyan citizen with a university degree and meeting the eligibility criteria for a High Court judge as provided under Article 166(5) of the Constitution.

This means they must have at least a decade of experience as a superior court judge, magistrate, lawyer, or prominent academic in a relevant field of law. Candidates must also adhere to the integrity requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution, which stress the importance of sound ethical leadership and management in public affairs.

Disqualification safeguards

The selection panel has specified several disqualifications to protect the independence and integrity of the oversight entity. Applicants cannot be currently holding a political office, be a member of a political party, or be retired police officers (within the past five years).

Additionally, those with a conflict of interest, such as suppliers to IPOA, or those with convictions for a dishonest offence, undischarged bankrupts, or who are unable to fulfil their role as a result of mental incapacitation, are also disqualified.

The appointee will have a one-off six-year term. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission will set remuneration pursuant to the guidelines for state officers.

To encourage public engagement and transparency, the shortlisted candidates will have their names put in the national media and the Public Service Commission website. The public will be allowed to lodge sworn statements on the candidates’ suitability.

Candidates who make it to the shortlist will also be asked to produce original documents at the time of their interviews, including academic certificates and clearance certificates from various bodies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, and reputable credit reference bureaus.

Application deadline

Applicants are required to apply, along with comprehensive CVs and copies of other documents, either by hand to the Public Service Commission offices in Nairobi or by registered post. The applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by 5:00 pm.

The selection of a new IPOA chairperson is occurring at a time when oversight of police is an important public issue. The Authority is crucial in the investigation of police misconduct and in driving changes in the security sector.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was created by the IPOA Act in 2011 as part of the extensive police reforms implemented by Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. It was established to tackle long-standing issues of police brutality and to ensure civilian oversight of the National Police Service (NPS).

This includes investigating police misconduct, especially where a person is killed or seriously injured, overseeing police disciplinary procedures, conducting inspections of police stations and making recommendations to improve professionalism and accountability. IPOA has, over the years, emerged as a key institution in ensuring openness and trust in the Kenyan police service.

Vacancy in IPOA

Anne Makori, who served a one-term, six-year stint that expired in 2015, used to chair the authority.

After her tenure, Ahmed Issack Hassan, former chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), was nominated by William Ruto and appointed to chair IPOA in January 2026 following a successful vetting exercise.

But his leadership of the authority was brief. Justice Hassan resigned in February 2026 to take up the role of a judge of the Court of Appeal, thus creating the vacancy and driving the current search for a new chairperson of the IPOA.