IEBC spells out qualifications for candidates as 23 seats go to by-elections in November
The Commission also reminded candidates that they must meet ethical and legal thresholds as set out in the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set out the legal and constitutional requirements that aspirants must meet to qualify for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a gazette notice dated August 8, the Commission announced that the mini-polls will be conducted in 24 electoral units to fill 23 vacant positions, one senatorial, six parliamentary and 16 ward seats.
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The polls are viewed as a crucial political moment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement on Monday, the electoral body emphasised that only Kenyan citizens by birth are eligible to contest.
Any aspirant holding dual citizenship must renounce it before presenting nomination papers. In addition, candidates are required to have at least a post-secondary qualification recognised in Kenya.
Nomination fees have been pegged at Sh10,000 for women, youth and persons with disabilities, while other candidates will pay Sh20,000.
Those running as independents must also present a list of 1,000 registered voters from the constituency or ward they intend to vie in, each supported by a copy of their national ID.
Aspirants are further required to submit several documents, including their national identity card, academic certificates, a nomination certificate from IEBC and a self-declaration form from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Commission also reminded candidates that they must meet ethical and legal thresholds as set out in the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Those who are bankrupt, have criminal convictions with sentences of more than six months, or have served as public officers within five months to the election are barred from contesting.
Nomination can be through a registered political party or as an independent candidate.
The vacancies have arisen from different circumstances. Banisa constituency lost its MP, Kullow Hassan Aden, in a hit-and-run accident in March 2023, while Malava’s seat fell vacant after the death of Malulu Injendi.
The Supreme Court nullified Magarini’s election, while Kasipul MP Charles Were was assassinated in May this year. Ugunja and Mbeere North seats became vacant after their MPs joined the Cabinet.
Several ward seats were also declared vacant including Angata Nanyokie in Samburu, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny in Nandi, Chewani in Tana River, Fafi in Garissa, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Kisa East in Kakamega, Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet, Mumbuni North in Machakos, Narok Town in Narok, Purko in Kajiado, Tembelio in Uasin Gishu, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo in Nyamira, Lake Zone and Nanaam in Turkana, and Kabuchai/Chwele in Bungoma.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the delays in reconstituting the Commission had slowed electoral processes but assured that the agency is now fully operational.
“This is a priority matter. Constituencies like Banisa have gone almost three years without representation,” he said.
The Commission added that voter register updates are ongoing to ensure the mini-polls proceed without disruption. Aspirants have been urged to confirm they meet all requirements and prepare complete documentation ahead of the nomination period.
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