IEBC sets October 8 as official start of campaign period for November 27 by-elections

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon speaks during a past presser. (Photo: IEBC/X)

By Lucy Mumbi
Wednesday, September 3, 2025

A total of 23 by-elections will be held, six for the National Assembly, one for the Senate, and 16 for Members of the County Assembly (MCA).

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set October 8 as the official start of the campaign period for the by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.

According to a notice issued by the commission’s chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, the campaigns will run until November 24, 48 hours before voting day.

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“The campaign period for purposes of the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections shall commence on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and cease on Monday, November 24, 2025, being 48 hours before the by-election day. The campaign time shall run daily from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm during the campaign period,” Ethekon said in a statement on Wednesday.

On the submission of agents, Ethekon directed independent candidates to provide the names of their agents at least 14 days before the by-election date. He said the requirement will allow sufficient time for processing their details and training to ensure smooth participation in the electoral process.

A total of 23 by-elections will be held, six for the National Assembly, one for the Senate, and 16 for Members of the County Assembly (MCA). The vacancies arose due to deaths and appointments of sitting members to other roles.

The commission explained that in setting the date for the polls, it was guided by Article 259 of the Constitution, which provides a framework whenever constitutional timelines lapse. It further acknowledged that timelines for all by-elections, particularly for Members of Parliament, had already been exceeded.

Ethekon emphasised that all candidates, political parties, and stakeholders must comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“Every political party, candidate and person who will participate in the election shall subscribe to and observe the Electoral Code of Conduct set out in the Second Schedule to the Elections Act, 2011,” he said.

The IEBC said strict adherence to the code is critical to guarantee peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, adding that all logistical and legal measures are being put in place for a free and fair process.

The electoral body also spelt out conditions for aspirants intending to vie as independents. Such candidates must not have been members of any political party for at least three months before the election date.

They are further required to obtain and submit to the commission a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties, confirming that they have not belonged to any party within that period. In addition, they must submit their preferred name and symbol for use in the by-election to IEBC by Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“The submission should be made using the prescribed Forms 11N and 11P of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, in both electronic and print format, and delivered at Anniversary Towers, 21st Floor, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm,” the Commission said.

Once approved, the symbols will be published in the Kenya Gazette at least 14 days before the nomination or registration of candidates. The pre-nomination and registration meeting with aspirants has been set for Friday, October 3, 2025, with the respective Returning Officers.

Independent candidates will also be required to demonstrate support through voter endorsements. Those seeking the Senate seat must submit to the Returning Officer a duly filled nomination form, a list of at least 2,000 registered voters in the county, including their names, signatures, and national ID or passport numbers, alongside copies of the supporters’ ID cards.

For the National Assembly, aspirants must submit a duly filled nomination form, a list of at least 1,000 registered voters in the constituency, including their names, signatures, ID or passport numbers, and ID copies.