The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared itself fully prepared for the November 27 by-elections, saying all polling officials have completed training and taken the Oath of Secrecy as required by law.
The Commission said the oath reaffirms officials’ commitment to integrity and impartiality as the country moves into another round of voting.
The upcoming by-elections will be held in 23 electoral areas, spanning 16 ward seats, six parliamentary constituencies, and the Baringo Senate seat. Among the most competitive contests are in Banissa, Malava, Magarini, Kasipul, Mbeere North, Ugunja and Narok Town Ward, where political parties have intensified campaigns. Two UDA candidates—Reuben Kigen Tobosei in Tembelio Ward and Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto in Metkei—have already been declared elected unopposed after no challengers came forward.
IEBC says the vacancies were caused by a mix of resignations, deaths and court decisions that overturned earlier results. Some seats, the Commission notes, fell vacant months before the electoral agency was fully reconstituted, creating delays that made it impossible to meet the Constitution’s preferred 90-day window for by-elections.
To justify the November date, the Commission invoked Article 259 of the Constitution, which allows flexibility when strict timelines cannot be met without undermining the broader intent of the law. IEBC also cited logistical concerns, including the use of schools as polling stations and the risk of disrupting learning if elections were held during the school term.
The decision has stirred political debate, with some opposition figures arguing that the Commission stretched constitutional limits. IEBC maintains it is acting within the law and says the priority now is ensuring credible polling. “Your vote is your future,” the Commission said as it urged Kenyans to turn out on November 27.
