IEBC Issues Warning About Fraudulent Job Opportunities Circulating on Social Media

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning to Kenyans about fraudulent job advertisements circulating on social media platforms as the country prepares for upcoming electoral activities.

In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the electoral body alerted the public to be wary of deceptive recruitment notices targeting job seekers. “Fake Jobs Alert! Beware of fraudulent job advertisements on social media,” the commission cautioned in its post.

The IEBC emphasized that its official jobs portal is exclusively accessed through https://jobs.iebc.or.ke, with all legitimate recruitment information communicated solely through its verified website and official social media accounts.

“For accurate and up-to-date information, please visit our official website (https://iebc.or.ke) and our verified social media platforms @IEBCKenya,” the commission advised, urging citizens to exercise vigilance when encountering purported job opportunities from the electoral body.

The timely warning comes as Kenya approaches the February 26, 2026 by-elections, a period typically associated with temporary hiring of polling personnel. According to security analysts, election periods often see a surge in employment scams as fraudsters attempt to capitalize on the anticipation of short-term electoral positions.

The commission revealed that scammers are distributing counterfeit notices claiming that applications are open for polling clerks and assistants. These fraudulent messages are designed to mimic official IEBC communications, complete with convincing language suggesting legitimate recruitment drives.

Some deceptive messages contain text such as: “IEBC invites interested and qualified candidates to apply for various positions… To apply, please use the official portal below,” followed by unauthorized links designed to collect personal information from unsuspecting applicants.

The IEBC has categorically stated that it has not announced any recruitment for polling personnel at this time, confirming that all such circulating claims are fraudulent and should be disregarded.

Cybersecurity experts note that such scams typically aim to harvest personal data that can be used for identity theft or financial fraud. Job seekers are particularly vulnerable during election periods when temporary employment opportunities with electoral bodies are anticipated.

“Election-related job scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters creating convincing fake websites and application portals,” said Martin Kimani, a Nairobi-based cybersecurity consultant. “The personal information collected can be sold on the dark web or used directly for financial fraud.”

The IEBC’s warning highlights several unauthorized links being circulated and warns that accessing these fraudulent portals could expose individuals to significant risks, including identity theft, financial loss, and misuse of personal information.

This alert is part of the commission’s broader public education efforts as it prepares for electoral activities. The IEBC has previously faced challenges with misinformation and has intensified efforts to ensure Kenyans receive accurate information through official channels.

Citizens who encounter suspicious job advertisements allegedly from the IEBC are encouraged to verify the information through the commission’s official website or contact their offices directly before providing any personal information or making payments related to job applications.

The commission continues to monitor social media platforms for fraudulent content using its name and has indicated it is working with relevant authorities to track down and take action against those behind these scams.