In a cruel twist of the digital age, the desperation of Kenya’s unemployed youth is being monetized by ruthless scammers. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a "Red Alert" warning to the public, flagging a proliferation of fake job advertisements circulating on social media. These fraudulent schemes, designed to mimic official commission communications, are fleecing job seekers of their hard-earned money under the guise of election-related employment.

The warning comes at a critical time. With by-elections scheduled for February 26, 2026, anticipation for temporary polling jobs is high. Scammers have capitalized on this anxiety, creating sophisticated "mirror sites" and fake social media posts that promise guaranteed slots for clerks and presiding officers—for a fee. The IEBC’s message is blunt and unequivocal: "We do not charge for jobs."

The Mechanics of the Scam

The fraudsters operate with impunity, using authorized-looking logos and bureaucratic language to lure victims. They typically ask for a "processing fee" or "medical examination fee" to be sent via mobile money. Once the money is sent, the "recruiter" vanishes into the digital ether. The Commission has clarified that all legitimate vacancies are strictly advertised through its official portal, jobs.iebc.or.ke, and never on informal blogs or WhatsApp groups.

“Applicants should ignore any messages, links, or adverts claiming to offer IEBC jobs outside these official channels,” the official statement read. The IEBC has also flagged the unauthorized collection of personal data—ID numbers, KRA PINs—which can be used for identity theft long after the fake job offer has expired. This double threat of financial loss and data breach makes these scams particularly pernicious.

• Official Channels: The only valid portal is jobs.iebc.or.ke. Any other URL is a trap.
• No Fees: The IEBC will never ask for money at any stage of the recruitment process.
• By-Election Context: The upcoming polls in February have created the "perfect storm" of demand for these scams to thrive.

A Symptom of a Larger Disease

The success of these scams is a direct indictment of the unemployment crisis. When thousands are willing to pay a bribe for a temporary two-day job, it reveals the depth of economic despair. The IEBC’s warning is necessary, but it is a band-aid on a gaping wound. Security agencies have been urged to track down the digital footprints of these syndicates, many of which operate with the sophistication of organized crime rings.

For the aspiring polling clerk in a rural constituency, the distinction between a fake Facebook post and a real advert can be thin. The Commission is ramping up its public awareness campaign, but the ultimate defense is skepticism. In the digital job market, if it looks too good to be true, and if it costs money, it is a lie.

“Do not pay to serve your country,” the IEBC spokesperson reiterated. “Report these numbers, block them, and tell your neighbor.”