The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued fresh directives to guide independent candidates seeking to participate in the forthcoming by-elections slated for Thursday, November 27, 2025.

In a statement released by the commission on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, all aspirants intending to vie as independents must not have been members of any political party for at least three months before the election dates. They are also required to present a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties confirming that they have not been affiliated with any political grouping within that period.

The commission has further directed that candidates submit the names and symbols they plan to use in the by-elections by September 17, 2025.

The applications must be filed using the official nomination forms 11N and 11P, delivered in both electronic and print formats, and submitted at IEBC headquarters, Anniversary Towers, during official working hours.

The commission will review the submissions and publish approved symbols in the Kenya Gazette at least 14 days before nominations begin.

“The submission should be made using the prescribed Forms 11N and 11P under the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012. Both electronic and print formats are required, and submissions should be delivered to the IEBC at Anniversary Towers, 21st Floor, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m,” IEBC stated.

Requirements of the candidates

Independent candidates vying for parliamentary seats will be expected to present a duly filled nomination form accompanied by a list of at least one thousand registered voters from their constituency, complete with signatures, national identity card or passport numbers, and copies of identification documents.

Those contesting for county assembly seats must submit a similar form together with details of at least five hundred registered voters in their ward, including supporting identification documents.

The commission has set October 8 and 9, 2025, as the official dates for nomination and registration of both independent aspirants and those sponsored by political parties. Candidates are required to present their papers to the returning officers between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the designated centres.

Campaign period

Campaigns for the November 27, 2025, by-elections will officially kick off on October 8, 2025, and will run until November 24, 2025, ending 48 hours before polling day. During this period, campaigns will only be permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day.

In addition, candidates are required to submit the names of their agents at least 14 days before the election date to allow the commission adequate time for vetting and training. The commission has also emphasised that all participants will be bound by the Electoral Code of Conduct from the time of publication of the election notices until the swearing-in of those who will be declared winners.