The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has finalized preparations for Wednesday’s by-elections in Narok, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties amid heightened political interest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The electoral agency on Tuesday said election materials had been dispatched and polling officials briefed ahead of voting in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Porro Ward and Endo Ward.
The by-elections are being conducted following deaths and a court ruling that created vacancies in the three areas.
In Emurua Dikirr Constituency, voters will elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of area MP Johana Ng’eno. In Samburu County’s Porro Ward, the seat fell vacant after the death of MCA James Lentoimaga, while the Endo Ward seat in Elgeyo Marakwet became vacant after a court nullified the election of the previous MCA.
Speaking during a briefing with polling officials, Emurua Dikirr Returning Officer Caleb Gekonde said all arrangements for the constituency by-election had been completed.
“There are 94 polling stations, with 44,353 registered voters. IEBC has cleared five political party-sponsored candidates for the by-election,” said Mr Gekonde.
“The Constituency Tallying Centre will be at Emurua Dikirr Technical Training Institute. Polling stations will be opened at 6am and close at 5pm promptly. Any voter who will still be on the line by the time polling closes will be allowed to cast their vote,” he added.
Mr Gekonde said presiding officers would take charge of polling stations as required by law and assured voters of a smooth electoral process.
“All election officials have undergone the necessary training and deployment procedures. We expect a peaceful and orderly process throughout the constituency,” he said.
The Emurua Dikirr race has attracted political attention, with parties viewing it as a key test of influence in Narok County ahead of the next General Election.
In Porro Ward, Samburu County, Returning Officer Sophina Leleruk said preparations had also been completed.
“There are 16 polling stations, with 6,358 registered voters. IEBC has cleared three political party-sponsored candidates for the by-election,” said Ms Leleruk.
“The tallying centre will be at Samburu West Technical and Vocational College. We are satisfied with the level of preparedness and all election materials have been delivered as scheduled,” she added.
She appealed to residents to maintain peace during voting and allow election officials to carry out their work independently.
In Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Returning Officer Dominic Kapiri said 14,361 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 42 polling stations.
“All polling stations are ready to receive voters and election materials have been dispatched to the respective centres,” said Mr Kapiri.
The mini polls are among the first electoral exercises to be conducted by the reconstituted IEBC as the country heads towards the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the by-elections, though local in nature, could offer an early indication of voter sentiment and shifting alliances within both government and opposition camps.
The commission has in recent years faced criticism over transparency concerns, internal wrangles and delayed reforms, placing pressure on the agency to restore public confidence before the next General Election.
