IPOA announces 32 job vacancies as selection panel seeks new chairperson

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced 32 job vacancies across various departments in a major recruitment drive aimed at strengthening its oversight mandate.

In a vacancy notice, the Authority said it is seeking to recruit qualified and results-orientated Kenyan citizens to fill positions including senior accountant (1), call centre officer II (3), complaints management officer II (6), inspections officer II (1), monitoring officer II (2), investigations officer II (9), legal officer II (1), research officer II (1), clerical officer II (1), office assistant II (3), and Driver II (4).

The positions span multiple job grades, with the bulk of openings at IPOA Grade 9, particularly in investigations and complaints management.

Interested candidates have been directed to submit their applications online through the IPOA careers portal by May 18, 2026.

IPOA emphasised that applicants must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, including clearance from key government agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and a registered Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

The Authority reiterated that it is an equal opportunity employer and warned that canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

It also cautioned applicants against fraudsters, stating that IPOA does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

The Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as Chairperson of IPOA has invited applications from qualified individuals to fill the top leadership position at the watchdog agency.

According to the panel, candidates must possess at least ten years of experience as distinguished academics, legal practitioners, or in relevant professional fields, and must meet integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The panel outlined strict disqualification criteria, barring individuals with political affiliations, recent ties to the police service, conflicts of interest with the Authority, or criminal convictions involving dishonesty. Former board members of IPOA are also ineligible.

The successful candidate will serve a non-renewable six-year term, with remuneration determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Interested candidates have been directed to submit their applications online through the IPOA May 19, 2026.

On February 17, Issack Hassan resigned as IPOA chairperson following his appoitnment as Court of Appeal judge.

The former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), had been leading Ipoa since 2024.

"Following this development, the vice chairperson Anne Mwangi will henceforth preside over the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority as the process of filling the position of chairperson commences, pursuant to Section 11 of Cap 86 of the Laws of Kenya and paragraph 4 of the Second Schedule to the Act," a statement from Ipoa said.