NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released new directives on how nomination disputes will be handled ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, setting a strict 10-day window for their determination.
In a public notice dated October 9 and signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the Commission said all nomination-related complaints must be resolved within ten days of being filed, and in any event, no later than October 21, 2025.
Ethekon said the directive is anchored in Article 88(4) of the Constitution, Section 4 of the IEBC Act (2011), and the Elections (General) Regulations (2012), which mandate the Commission to resolve disputes arising from nominations before polling day.
“The Rules of Procedure on Settlement of Disputes may be accessed on the Commission’s website,” Ethekon noted in the statement, adding that the Commission had revoked two earlier gazette notices issued in August that contained conflicting provisions.
The Commission has today finalized the registration of candidates for the 24 electoral areas with by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025.Following this, a 10-day window will be open for resolving any disputes arising from the candidate registration process.All campaign
Where and how to file disputes
According to the notice, nomination disputes will be heard and determined at venues designated by IEBC officials.
Complainants can file their cases physically at the IEBC headquarters in Anniversary Towers, Nairobi, or electronically via info@iebc.or.ke and ppl@iebc.or.ke.
Once submitted, parties will be notified of their hearing schedules by email or phone.
The Commission has also provided a Statutory Complaint Form on its website to streamline the process and ensure uniform documentation.
Focus on transparency and efficiency
Ethekon said the move aims to enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in handling disputes, a key step in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Legal and governance experts welcomed the new measures, saying they will help prevent disputes from spilling into the courts or delaying poll preparations.
“The Commission’s decision to digitise parts of the complaints process is an important step in improving efficiency and accountability,” said one Nairobi-based governance analyst.
Upcoming by-elections
A total of 24 electoral areas, including Kasipul, Mbeere North, and Matuga constituencies, are set to hold by-elections following recent nullifications and resignations.
Campaigns officially kicked off earlier this month and will run daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., ending on November 24, 48 hours before polling day.
In a statement shared on X, the Commission urged candidates to uphold peace and respect electoral rules throughout the campaign period.
“Candidates are urged to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct during the electioneering period,” IEBC said.
Ethekon reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and timely elections, saying IEBC remains focused on upholding constitutional timelines and electoral integrity.
