The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the dates for upcoming by-elections.
In a gazette notice dated August 8, 2025, the electoral body stated that all the by-elections will be held on November 27, 2025, for Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
“All By-Elections will be held on 27th November 2025. The gazettement of the By-Elections has been scheduled in two batches,” read the notice.
According to a gazette notice the vacancies arose following declarations made by respective County Assembly Speakers for the following wards: Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi City), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), as well as Lake Zone and Nanaam (Turkana).
Additionally, IEBC stated that the Special Gazette to be issued on Monday, August 11, 2025, will announce vacancies for the Senate seat in Baringo County, National Assembly seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies, as well as the County Assembly seat for Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County.
Key IEBC timelines and requirements include:
-
Party Submissions: Political parties intending to participate must submit the names and specimen signatures of authorised persons, along with the names and dates of party primaries, on or before Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
-
Public Officers: Any public officer intending to vie must resign from their position within seven (7) days of the notice.
-
Party Primaries Publication: IEBC will publish the names and dates of party primaries in the gazette within seven days of receiving them.
-
Independent Candidates: Must not have been members of any political party for at least three months prior to the election date, and must submit their names and symbols for nomination purposes by September 17, 2025.
Also Read: IEBC Invites Kenyans to Apply for Accreditation Ahead of By-Elections
- Nomination Dates: Registration of candidates—both political party nominees and independents—will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and Thursday, October 9, 2025, at designated IEBC offices between 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
-
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from nominations must be resolved within ten (10) days of lodging, and no later than Friday, October 17, 2025.
- Campaign Period: The campaign period will officially commence on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and end on Monday, November 24, 2025, exactly 48 hours before polling day. Campaign activities will run daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during this period.
- Appointment of Election Agents: Political parties and candidates must appoint and submit the names of their election agents to the Commission on or before Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
- Register of Voters: For these by-elections, the Commission will use the certified Register of Voters published on June 21, 2022.
- Contested Elections: Where elections are contested, polling will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
- The commission has also directed that political parties resolve all internal disputes before submitting their final list of nominees to IEBC by Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Also Read: IEBC Addresses Reports of Reverting to ID-Based Voting Only in 2027
Further Directives to Candidates
1. Candidates and persons subscribing to nomination papers must comply with the set nomination requirements.
2. All political parties, candidates, and election participants must subscribe to and observe the Electoral Code of Conduct.
3. Anyone found guilty of an election offence will face penalties and possible disqualification.
4. Public officers intending to contest in the elections must resign from their positions before the set timelines.
5. Candidates are not permitted to engage in public fundraising (harambee) during the election period.
6. All election participants should adhere strictly to the stipulated campaign period.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
