NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun receiving election materials for the November 27 by-elections, marking a key milestone in preparations for polls set to fill more than a dozen long-vacant seats across the country.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that the first shipment — 10 pallets of ballot papers and statutory forms — arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday night.
The remaining 29 pallets are expected by Friday at 7:30 pm, after which distribution to constituency tallying centres will begin on November 21.
The materials were printed in Athens, Greece, by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA at a cost of Sh27 million.
Ethekon said all 51 political parties participating in the by-elections were invited to witness the arrival of the ballot papers as part of the Commission’s transparency measures.
Ballot papers destined for remote and high-risk areas such as Banisa and Mandera will be flown in due to security and logistical challenges.
The Commission led by Chairperson @EEEthekon has this evening received the first batch of 10 pallets containing ballot papers and statutory forms for the upcoming 27th November 2025 by elections.The final batch of 29 pallets will be arriving tomorrow evening at 1930hrs.
Ethekon reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering a credible process, noting ongoing concerns about local printing capacity.
He said the IEBC would prefer to print ballot papers in Kenya to cut costs and reduce logistical delays, but cited limited trust in both private and government printers.
The November 27 by-elections will fill seats that have remained vacant for more than two years, including Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega) and Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet).
Others are Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu) and Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), as well as Lake Zone and Nanaam (Turkana).
Voters will also elect a new Baringo Senator, as well as MPs for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja, and an MCA for Kabuchai.
Political parties submitted the names of their candidates by September 17, while public officers seeking elective positions were required to resign within seven days of the election notice.
