The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that it is fully prepared for the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections, set to take place across 22 electoral areas, assuring Kenyans of a transparent, secure, and smoothly coordinated process.

In a press statement released Wednesday evening, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon confirmed that all logistical and operational arrangements have been completed.

Polling stations will open at 6:00 am and close at 5:00 pm, with any delays compensated to ensure all eligible voters are accommodated.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, 27th November 2025, across 22 electoral areas have been successfully completed. Polling will commence at 6:00 A.M in all designated polling stations,” the statement read in part.

The Commission revealed that it has finished the recruitment, training, and deployment of all polling officials. Election officers have also taken the mandatory oath of secrecy.

The IEBC further disclosed that all strategic and non-strategic materials, including ballot papers and KIEMS kits, have already been dispatched to their respective polling centres. Ballot paper pallets were formally opened today in the presence of accredited observers to enhance transparency.

Biometric voter identification

All eligible voters will be identified through KIEMS kits, using data from the certified 2022 Register of Voters. Copies of the register have been displayed at polling stations for public verification ahead of the polls.

Strict rules on ballot secrecy

The Commission issued a firm reminder that taking photographs of ballot papers inside polling stations is prohibited. However, after counting, agents will be allowed to take photos of filled and certified result forms. A copy of each results form will also be posted at the polling station after counting.

Stakeholder conduct and access to tallying centres

IEBC urged party agents, observers, and journalists to respect polling officials and avoid interfering with the process.

“Presiding officers remain fully in charge of polling stations,” the Commission emphasised, calling on stakeholders to file any complaints patiently and respectfully, accompanied by evidence.

Only accredited persons bearing official badges will be permitted into tallying centres. Senior political leaders who attended the tallying process were asked to maintain order and avoid actions that could disrupt results verification.

Transparent Results Process

Once polling ends, ballot boxes will be opened and votes counted in full view of agents, observers, and the media.

Returning Officers will then verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results before declaring winners.

The public will also be able to access results through the IEBC results portal:
forms.iebc.or.ke

Security boosted

IEBC said it is working closely with the National Police Service to ensure safety throughout the voting process. Each polling station will have at least two officers, with additional patrol teams and rapid-response units active across the affected regions.

The Commission assured voters of a peaceful environment and encouraged reporting of any suspicious incidents through official security channels.