By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 9 January 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved to set the stage for February’s by-elections, inviting election observers and media organisations to apply for accreditation as part of efforts to safeguard transparency and credibility.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the Commission said the accreditation exercise targets organisations intending to monitor and report on the by-elections scheduled for 26 February 2026.
The polls will be held to fill vacant elective seats in accordance with the Constitution and the Elections Act.
“The accreditation exercise is aimed at facilitating transparent, credible, and accountable electoral processes during the upcoming polls,” the IEBC said.
Applicants have been directed to submit their details strictly through the Commission’s online platform.
“All interested organisations must submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System at https://ams.iebc.or.ke,” the notice reads.
The Commission was categorical that it will not accept manual or physical applications, underscoring its continued shift towards digital systems. It also warned applicants to ensure they have reliable internet access, noting that incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
The deadline for applications has been set for Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5.00 pm.
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Once accredited, organisations will undergo training and receive official badges granting them access to polling stations and tallying centres.
“The commission will conduct training and issue badges to accredited organisations to enable access to polling stations and tallying centres,” the notice added.
IEBC further clarified that accreditation does not come with any financial support. The Commission reiterated that it does not offer payments, allowances or facilitation to observers or media practitioners.
For clarifications, interested parties were advised to contact the Commission through its official telephone line on 020 2877000 or via email at accreditation@iebc.or.ke.
The announcement comes weeks after IEBC appointed returning officers and deputy returning officers to oversee the upcoming by-elections. The contests will include the Member of Parliament seat for Isiolo South, as well as Member of County Assembly positions in Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North constituency, Embu County. Another MCA by-election will be held in Kabras West Ward, Malava constituency, Kakamega County. All the by-elections will take place on the same day.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who gazetted the appointments, also outlined key timelines for candidates and political parties. The official campaign period will run from January 22 to February 23, 2026, ending 48 hours before polling day, with campaigns restricted to between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm daily.
The Commission confirmed that the by-elections will be conducted using the certified Register of Voters published on 21 June 2022.
