IEBC confirms readiness for February 26 by-elections
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 24, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, are complete and on track.
The elections will fill several vacant positions, including the Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency, Isiolo County, and Members of the County Assembly for West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County, and Muminji and Evurore Wards in Embu County.
These seats fell vacant under different circumstances: The Isiolo South parliamentary seat became available following the death of incumbent MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu on November 12, 2025, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. The West Kabras Ward MCA position opened after David Ndakwa was elected MP for Malava Constituency.
In Embu County, Newton Kariuki (Muminji Ward) and Duncan Mbui (Evurore Ward) resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, leading Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku to declare the wards vacant in early December 2025.
In a press release on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, IEBC noted that key milestones have already been achieved. These include the procurement of election materials, gazettement of candidates, polling stations, and tallying centres, as well as the servicing and configuration of Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits.
All materials, including ballot papers, have been packaged and dispatched to the respective electoral areas.
The commission has also completed training for election officials, focusing on professionalism, customer service, integrity, and proper procedures for opening, polling, closing, and results management.
Campaigning officially ended on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6.00 pm, in line with gazetted election timelines. IEBC emphasised that no form of campaigning is allowed from that time.
Polling day rules outlined
On polling day, all eligible voters will be identified using KIEMS kits. The Register of Voters has been displayed at each polling station for public verification. Polling stations will open at 6:00 am and close at 5:00 pm, and all voters in the queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
The commission warned against the use of mobile phones inside polling stations.
“The secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right. Photographing or recording a marked ballot paper undermines the integrity of the process and constitutes an electoral offence,” the statement said.
Administrative controls will be applied to prevent such incidents.
Voters needing assistance due to disability or illiteracy are entitled to support from a person of their choice, with only one assistant allowed per voter. This assistance will be formally recorded.
IEBC also addressed concerns about unauthorised individuals at polling and tallying centres. Only one agent per political party or candidate is permitted at each polling station, and only one chief agent per candidate at the tallying centres.
Security arrangements have been put in place in partnership with the National Police Service. Two uniformed police officers will be deployed at every polling station, with additional officers at tallying centres. The Commission warned that intimidation, interference with election officials, or obstruction of voting and counting will not be tolerated.
After polls close, presiding officers will count ballots in full view of agents, observers, and the media. Agents may photograph the results forms, which will also be displayed publicly.
Returning Officers will verify, collate, and declare the results at the constituency tallying centres, issuing certificates to the duly elected candidates. IEBC reminded the public that any disputes must be resolved through the courts.