IEBC unveils candidate requirements ahead of November by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released guidelines outlining requirements and qualifications for candidates seeking elective seats in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.

The electoral body in a gazette notice dated August 8, 2025, stated that all aspirants must meet constitutional and legal thresholds before presenting themselves for clearance.

According to the Commission, eligibility begins with citizenship. Every candidate must have been a Kenyan citizen for at least 10 years prior to the election.

Those holding dual citizenship are required to renounce it before taking the oath of office.

Additionally, one must be a registered voter and file a self-declaration form with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Nomination fees vary depending on the seat being contested and the candidate’s category. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) enjoy subsidized rates.

For the National Assembly, the fee is Sh10,000 for women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities (PWD), while other candidates pay Sh20,000.

Member of County Assembly aspirants pay Sh2,500 under the special category and Sh5,000 for others. Senate hopefuls must part with Sh25,000 if they fall under the special category and Sh50,000 otherwise.

Independent candidates must demonstrate grassroots support by presenting signatures accompanied by copies of supporters’ identity cards.

National Assembly aspirants require 1,000 supporters, Members of County Assembly (MCAs) 500, and Senate candidates 2,000.

IEBC adds that these supporters must be registered voters in the respective electoral areas.

The commission also reminded independent candidates that they should not have been members of any political party within three months preceding the by-elections.

"An Independent Candidate shall not have been a member of any political party at least three (3) months immediately before the date of the by-elections," said

Earlier in August, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said preparations for the by-elections are already underway, with the agency updating the voter register to ensure a smooth electoral process.

He emphasized the urgency by stating, “This is a priority matter. As you have noticed, more than two years have already passed. Constituencies like Banisa in the Northeast have gone almost three years without a Member of Parliament.”

The Banisa seat fell vacant following the death of Kullow Hassan Aden in a hit-and-run accident in Nairobi in March 2023.

Other vacant parliamentary seats include Malava, which became open after the death of Malulu Injendi; Magarini, declared vacant after the Supreme Court nullified Harrison Kombe’s election; and Kasipul, where Charles Were was assassinated on April 30, 2025.

Ugunja and Mbeere North seats became vacant following the appointments of Opiyo Wandayi and Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet.