The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified preparations for the May 14 by-elections, with polling set to take place in Narok, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
In a notice issued on Sunday, the Commission said voters will elect a new Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County as well as Members of County Assembly for Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The electoral agency said polling stations will open at 6am and close at 5pm, adding that any time lost during opening delays would be compensated at closing time.
“Voters in the queue by 5.00 pm will be allowed to vote,” the Commission said.
The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary contest is expected to attract significant political attention in Narok County, with parties viewing the mini-poll as a test of their grassroots influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The by-elections come at a time when the IEBC is under pressure to rebuild public trust following disputes that have clouded previous elections in the country.
The Commission is currently undertaking broader reforms and strategic planning for the 2027 General Election, including efforts to strengthen electoral transparency, technology and stakeholder engagement.
Kenya’s electoral body has faced intense scrutiny since the 2017 presidential election was annulled by the Supreme Court over irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results. In the 2022 General Election, divisions within the Commission also emerged publicly after four commissioners rejected the presidential outcome announced by former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
The May 14 mini-polls will therefore be closely watched as another test of the Commission’s preparedness and credibility ahead of the next General Election.
The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of former area MP Johana Ng'eno earlier this year. In Samburu County, the Porro Ward MCA seat became vacant after the death of the elected ward representative, while the Endo Ward seat in Elgeyo Marakwet fell vacant following a court ruling that nullified the election of the previous MCA over electoral irregularities.
Political parties and candidates have already heightened campaigns in the affected areas as security agencies and election officials finalise logistical arrangements for the exercise.
