The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that all preparations for the by-elections slated for Thursday, 27th November 2025 across 22 constituencies are complete, with polling set to commence at 6:00 a.m. at all designated stations.
In a statement released Wednesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission has concluded all key preparatory steps, including the recruitment, training, and deployment of polling officials, administering the oath of secrecy, briefing stakeholders, and dispatching election materials including ballot papers and Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits.
“All ballot paper pallets have been opened today in the presence of accredited stakeholders to uphold transparency and accountability. We are ready to deliver free, fair, and credible by-elections,” said Mr. Ethekon.
The Commission highlighted key polling day activities, including biometric identification of voters using KIEMS kits, with the certified 2022 Register of Voters displayed at all stations for public verification.
Polling stations will close at 5:00 p.m., but all voters in the queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
“We urge all voters to follow instructions issued by polling officials to facilitate an orderly voting process,” said the statement.
The IEBC also emphasized the secrecy of the ballot, cautioning against taking pictures of ballot papers, which is punishable by law.
However, photographs of duly certified result forms are allowed once the declaration process is complete.
Stakeholder cooperation is critical, according to the Commission.
Party agents, observers, and media personnel are asked to respect the authority of presiding officers, report complaints with evidence, and avoid disrupting polling or tallying processes.
“Presiding Officers will remain fully in charge at polling stations, and all accredited stakeholders must support them to ensure a smooth voting and counting process,” the IEBC statement reads.
At tallying centers, only accredited personnel with identification and badges will be allowed to observe results tabulation.
Senior party leaders and officials wishing to witness tallying must cooperate with officials and security to prevent disruptions.
Following the close of polling, presiding officers will count ballots and tabulate results in full view of agents, observers, and the media, with copies of results forms displayed publicly.
Returning officers will then verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results.
The public can also access results online via the IEBC portal: https://forms.iebc.or.ke
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Security arrangements have been strengthened, with the National Police Service deploying personnel to polling stations, tallying centers, and strategic locations. Each station will have a minimum of two security officers, with additional rapid response teams on standby.
“Voters are assured of a secure and peaceful environment. Any incidents should be reported through the appropriate security channels,” the Commission said.
The IEBC also reminded polling officials and the media to uphold integrity and professionalism throughout the exercise.
“To all voters in the 22 by-election areas: your participation matters. We encourage peaceful turnout and adherence to the law. Let us draw inspiration from Article 1 of the Constitution, which vests sovereign power in the people,” Mr. Ethekon concluded.
With all preparations in place, the IEBC reiterates its commitment to delivering credible by-elections that reflect the will of the people, urging Kenyans to participate responsibly and uphold peace during and after the vote.
