IEBC announces dates for all by-elections

Chairperson Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Ethekon with commissioners during the consultative roundtable stallholders in Nairobi on 6th August 2025 [David Gichuru, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted by-elections for November 27, to fill 17 ward representative seats, six parliamentary seats, and the Baringo Senate seat.

The notice, dated August 8, follows an announcement by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon during a consultative meeting with the Kenya Media Sector Working Group and the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa. 

Ethekon said preparations for the polls were in advanced stages and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The gazette outlines timelines and regulations for candidates.

Mini polls for MCA seats will be held in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), Lake Zone and Nanaam (Turkana), and Kabuchai/Chwele (Bungoma).

By-elections for six MP seats include; Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja, while Senate seat for Baringo County is also up for grabs.

The commission also named returning and deputy returning officers for the elections, while outlining several rules for the polls.

Political parties must submit the names and signatures of authorised officials, as well as the names of candidates contesting in party primaries and the dates of those primaries, by September 17.

Public officers intending to vie must resign within seven days of the notice, which means by Friday next week.

For indirect nominations, parties are required to submit their candidate lists to IEBC by October 2.

Independent candidates must present their names and symbols by September 17, after which the Commission will publish them at least 14 days before nomination day.

Nominations for political party and independent candidates will be conducted on October 8 and 9, between 8am and 1pm.

Disputes arising from nominations must be resolved within ten days of being filed.

The electoral agency also said that campaigns will run from October 8 to November 24, with activities allowed only between 7am and 6pm daily.

Parties and candidates must submit the names of their election agents by November 11, according to the notice.