IEBC Sets February 2026 By-Elections, Lays Out Roadmap for Aspirants and Parties

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 20 December 2025 - Kenya’s electoral body has confirmed that voters in four constituencies and wards will return to the ballot early next year, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) moves to fill seats left vacant over the past year.

In a gazette notice issued on 19 December, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced that the by-elections will be held on February 26, 2026, bringing clarity to communities that have been without representation. The polls will cover the Isiolo South parliamentary seat, as well as three ward-level contests: Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, and West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County.

The Isiolo South seat fell vacant following the death of MP Mohamed Tubi, who was elected in 2022.

The ward vacancies arose after sitting Members of County Assembly resigned to contest parliamentary positions during the November 2025 by-elections.

Beyond announcing the date, the Commission outlined a detailed timetable to guide political parties, independent candidates and election officials. Political parties intending to take part must submit the names of aspirants contesting in party primaries, along with the dates of those primaries, by January 2, 2026. Independent candidates are also required to submit their names and proposed symbols by the same deadline.

The IEBC further directed newly registered political parties, as well as those that have revised their membership, to present certified membership lists by 2 January 2026.

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Parties must also submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorised officials by January 13.

Nominations for candidates will take place on January 22 and 23, marking the official start of the campaign period. Campaigning will run until February 23, ending 48 hours before polling day, with activities permitted daily between 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

Public officers seeking to contest have been given seven days from the declaration of a vacancy to resign from office, in line with the law. Any disputes arising from the nomination process must be lodged with the Commission within 24 hours, and no later than January 26.

The IEBC also confirmed the appointment of six Returning and Deputy Returning Officers to oversee the by-elections, signalling its readiness to deliver what it says will be a credible and orderly electoral process.