The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has concluded the registration of candidates ahead of the November 27 by-elections across 24 electoral areas, paving the way for campaigns to begin.
The commission announced that with the registration phase now closed, a 10-day period has been set aside to handle any disputes arising from the nomination process before the campaigns gather full momentum.
In a statement, IEBC reminded all aspirants to observe the electoral code of conduct and maintain peace throughout the campaign period. “Candidates are urged to strictly adhere to the code of conduct during the electioneering period,” the statement read on Thursday.
The registration process involved verifying each candidate’s eligibility based on the legal requirements outlining qualifications and disqualifications for various elective posts. Once cleared by the respective Returning Officers, candidates were allowed to begin their campaigns immediately.
According to the guidelines issued, campaign activities will officially end on Monday, November 24, 2025, 48 hours before the by-election date. The commission further directed that campaigns shall only take place between 7 am and 6 pm each day until then.
IEBC has assured Kenyans that it is fully prepared to conduct the polls, having received the necessary financial backing from the National Treasury.
Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that the commission now has all the required resources to run the by-elections without any interruptions. “We would like to assure the country and citizens that all preparations are in top gear, and the resources we needed to conduct successful by-elections are now available to us,” Ethekon stated.
His assurance follows weeks of concern about potential financial shortfalls that had threatened to delay the polls. Ethekon said those challenges had been resolved after successful talks with Treasury officials.
"Where there were shortages, we have had candid and fruitful discussions with our national treasury, who have since then unlocked that, and therefore there is no reason whatsoever why we should not have by-elections as planned," he affirmed.
He added that the commission has been holding consultative meetings with political stakeholders, including parties under the Political Parties Liaison Committee and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, to ensure smooth and transparent elections.
According to Ethekon, these engagements are part of broader efforts to strengthen preparedness not only for the upcoming by-elections but also for the 2027 General Election and ongoing voter registration exercises.
"We have discussed several issues on our levels of preparedness, not only for the 2027 general elections but also for the by-elections and voter registration exercises," he said.
Ethekon reiterated IEBC’s commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and timely elections across all electoral areas involved.