A five-year opportunity to lead Kenya’s human rights watchdog has opened after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) invited qualified Kenyans to apply for the position of Commission Secretary/CEO.
The commission announced the vacancy on Thursday, August 27, 2026, setting Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm EAT as the deadline for applications.
The new office holder will take over from Bernard Mogesa and will serve for five years, with the possibility of one renewal. The position is based in Nairobi and comes with occasional travel, while the CEO will report directly to the Chairperson of KNCHR.
The Commission Secretary/CEO will be at the centre of the commission’s administration, providing leadership to the Secretariat and ensuring that KNCHR’s mandate is carried out.
“The CEO will serve as the head of the Commission’s Secretariat and will also act as the Commission’s Accounting Officer and Authorised Officer,” reads the notice.
The successful candidate will be tasked with putting into action the commission’s policies, decisions and strategic plan while providing direction on its programmes and institutional growth.
The CEO will also supervise the daily running of the organisation, coordinate annual work plans and guide programme delivery, partnerships and efforts to raise resources.
Who can apply
KNCHR requires applicants to be Kenyan citizens and holders of a degree awarded by a university recognised in Kenya.
Candidates must have accumulated at least 10 years of management-level experience and must meet the leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
A master’s degree in a relevant area is also required.
The commission said suitable candidates should have practical experience in fields including human rights, governance, public administration, management, finance, political science or related areas.
Applicants must also have at least five years of experience in senior management. Experience working in a public institution or a similar organisation will be an added advantage.
Another requirement is completion of a senior leadership course of not less than six weeks from a recognised institution.
Duties of the new CEO
The person appointed will be expected to give strategic direction to KNCHR and ensure its programmes are aligned with its mandate and approved plans.
The CEO will oversee the institution’s daily operations, annual work plans, programme implementation, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
Financial oversight will also form a major part of the role.
The office holder will be responsible for preparing and implementing annual budgets, financial statements and internal controls while ensuring that KNCHR follows the Public Finance Management framework and other relevant laws.
The CEO will also oversee staff development and performance management while promoting good governance, integrity and professionalism within the commission.
The position further requires the office holder to represent KNCHR in engagements with national, regional and international stakeholders and promote its human rights work.
Documents required
Those applying must submit a signed application letter alongside a detailed CV containing contact information for at least three referees.
Applicants are also required to attach certified copies of their academic and professional certificates, a valid identification document and relevant statutory clearance certificates.
Applications must be addressed to the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and submitted online through the KNCHR Recruitment Portal.
Candidates should use the vacancy reference “COMMISSION SECRETARY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER” when applying.
KNCHR said applicants can access the complete requirements on its careers page and submit their applications through the recruitment portal.
Only candidates who make the shortlist will be contacted.
The commission has also cautioned applicants against giving false information or presenting forged documents.
It further warned the public against recruitment scams, saying it “does not engage recruitment agents and does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.”
Anyone seeking payment in connection with the recruitment has been urged to report the matter to KNCHR or the police.
KNCHR said the hiring process will be based on fair competition, merit, diversity and equal opportunity.
Women, persons with disabilities, members of marginalised communities and minority groups, as well as intersex persons, have been encouraged to submit their applications.