NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released the official timelines and regulations that will govern the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a notice issued by chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the electoral body said campaigns will officially begin on October 8 and run until November 24 at 6 p.m., exactly 48 hours before polling day.
“The campaign time will run from 7 am until 6 pm during the campaign period,” Ethekon said.
The by-elections will fill 23 vacant seats across the country, including six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat, and 16 ward representative positions.
The vacancies arose from various circumstances, among them deaths, court nullifications, and appointments to the Executive.
Independent candidates have been directed to submit the names of their polling agents at least 14 days before the election, to allow time for verification, processing, and training.
On compliance, the commission stressed that all political parties, candidates, and participants must adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct, which will remain in force from the date of the notice until the swearing-in of elected leaders.
“Every political party, candidate and person who will participate in the election shall subscribe to and observe the Electoral Code of Conduct set out in the Second Schedule to the Elections Act, 2011,” the notice reads.
The commission also admitted that some by-elections, particularly for parliamentary seats, had already gone beyond constitutional timelines, but said it invoked Article 259 of the Constitution to ensure compliance.
Ethekon assured Kenyans that logistical and legal frameworks are being put in place to guarantee a free, fair, peaceful, and transparent exercise.
