NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that the official campaign window for the upcoming by-elections will begin on Wednesday, October 8, and conclude on Monday, November 24, just 48 hours before polling day.
In an official statement on Wednesday, IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon indicated that campaigns will be permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. The Commission also outlined crucial timelines and requirements for independent candidates.
To be eligible, independent aspirants must not have been members of any political party for at least three months prior to the by-election date.
They are also required to obtain a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties as proof of compliance.
Independent candidates must complete the submission of their names and symbols by Wednesday, September 17, using the prescribed forms, which must be delivered both electronically and in print to the IEBC offices at Anniversary Towers.
Nomination and registration for all candidates, including those sponsored by political parties, will take place on October 8 and 9, 2025. Candidates are expected to submit nomination forms along with a list of required supporters: 2,000 for those contesting for the Senator position, 1,000 for an MP, and 500 for an MCA.
The commission further directed that agents’ details must be submitted at least 14 days before the polls to facilitate processing and training.
All candidates and political parties are required to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct from the date of the by-election notice until the swearing-in of the newly elected leaders.
Disputes arising from nominations will be handled by the IEBC dispute resolution committee between October 8 and October 17, 2025.
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The commission has scheduled a total of 24 by-elections for November 27, 2025, bringing an end to months of unrepresented electoral units.
These include six parliamentary seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja, one Senate seat in Baringo, and one MCA seat in Kabuchai/Chwele ward, Bungoma County.
Additional electoral units with vacant MCA seats include:
- Angata Nanyokie Ward in Samburu County
- Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward in Nandi County
- Chewani Ward in Tana River County
- Fafi Ward in Garissa County
- Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi City County
- Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County
- Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County
- Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos County
- Narok Town Ward in Narok County
- Purko Ward in Kajiado County
- Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County
- Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo Wards in Nyamira County
- Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards in Turkana County
