By-elections 2025: List of people authorised at the polling station
By Kiprono Keileb, November 27, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) has released a reminder on who is legally allowed inside polling stations during the ongoing 2025 by-elections, as voters across several constituencies continue to cast their ballots.
The commission issued the clarification to prevent confusion and ensure the electoral process remains orderly, transparent, and free from interference.
According to a statement issued through an X post posted on Thursday, November 27, 2025, IEBC shared an official list of all categories of people who are permitted within polling stations during the voting and counting process.
“Authorised persons at the polling station include: voters, polling clerks, presiding officers, security personnel, accredited observers, media, political party or independent candidate agents and IEBC staff,” the statement reads.
The reminder comes at a time when the by-elections have drawn intense national attention, with heightened political activity, increased security presence, and concerns from various leaders about disruptions at polling centres. In some areas, officials have had to address overcrowding as supporters and campaign teams attempted to access restricted spaces.
By issuing the clarification, IEBC aims to reinforce boundaries and ensure that only those with an official role or legitimate purpose participate directly in the voting environment. The commission noted that limiting access to authorised persons helps protect ballot secrecy, reduce tension, and prevent confrontations or attempts to influence voters.
Polling officials across the affected constituencies have been working from early morning to manage queues, guide voters, and maintain order inside the stations. Security personnel stationed at the entrances have been tasked with ensuring that only permitted individuals gain access, a role that becomes increasingly important in high-stakes by-elections.
Accredited journalists are allowed inside to document the day’s events. Candidate agents remain key stakeholders, as they play a critical oversight role during voting and counting.
IEBC has urged the public to follow instructions from presiding officers and security teams to help maintain calm throughout the day. As ballot casting continues, the commission says it will keep monitoring the situation and provide further updates as necessary.