IEBC holds joint national planning meeting ahead of February 26 by-elections
By Joel Masibo, January 16, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday, January 16, 2026, held a joint national planning meeting to strategise on the conduct of the Thursday, February 26, 2026, by-elections.
The particular mini-polls will allow the electorates to elect their leaders for the vacant positions of Member of the National Assembly, Isiolo South Constituency; County Assembly Ward (CAW) in West Kabras in Malava Constituency, Evurore and Muminji in Mbeere Constituency.
The four seats were declared vacant following the death and resignation of the incumbents, respectively.
The workshop sought to ensure that data protection compliance, HR resourcing and security, register of voters integrity, training frameworks, audit issues, candidate registration systems, stakeholder engagement, oath administration and overall coordination are addressed comprehensively ahead of polling day.
Civic education
The meeting comes as there is a need to educate the public, especially candidates, to understand that elections are conducted and decided at the polling station. According to Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit, many Kenyans are not aware of how the election process works.
“I have no doubt on the competency of IEBC staff to deliver free, fair and credible elections. The Commission will support the staff to conduct a successful electoral process,” Sorobit said.
On his part, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan noted that voter apathy among youth and urban voters remains a concern requiring targeted voter education and stakeholder engagements.
The IEBC top leadership noted that operational pressures such as delayed exchequer releases, staff welfare concerns, school calendar conflicts and misinformation spewed on social media underscore the need for proactive coordination, clear communication and early risk mitigation.
Proper framework
“If we get the administration right, the operations tight, and the systems aligned, the Commission will once again demonstrate that electoral credibility is built not on rhetoric, but on preparation and performance,” Marjan said.
According to the Commission, political interference during training and isolated security incidents witnessed in the last by-elections remind us that early vetting, firm supervision, and close coordination with security agencies are non-negotiable.
“The IEBC team on the ground is professional and has done an excellent job. Let our focus be on delivering a credible election in Isiolo South Constituency, West Kabras, Evurore and Muminji wards,” Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan said.