The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has issued an update on the Isiolo, Kakamega, and Embu counties. By-election announcing delays were experienced in the process.

In a press statement by the IEBC on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the IEBC announced an extension of hours within areas that had earlier on experienced delays.

The electoral process, which is underway, seeks to fill various positions left vacant.

The positions include Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency, Isiolo County; Member of the County Assembly for West Kabras Ward, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County; and Members of the County Assemblies for Muminji and Evurore wards, Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County.

“Polling stations opened at 6.00 a.m. in most of the by-election areas. We appreciate that Kenyans woke up early in the morning, braving the chilly weather to queue at the various polling stations hours before opening,” IEBC said.

In addition, IEBC has confirmed that in areas that experienced delays, the Presiding Officer shall extend the hours of polling by the amount of time lost.

“Those who are yet to leave their homes are highly urged to go and exercise their democratic right—please go out and vote. In polling stations where unexpected delays in opening or interruptions in voting are experienced at a polling station, the Presiding Officer shall extend the hours of polling by the amount of time lost,” IEBC added.

According to the electoral body, as of 01.00 p.m., 45.74% of the registered voters in the four by-election areas had turned out to vote.

In addition, the IEBC further issued a report on all the KIEMS kits used in the process.

IEBC confirmed that all eligible voters in the certified Register of Voters for the respective by-election areas were accurately identified using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits.

On the other hand, the Commission said it was working round-the-clock to resolve any reported issues on KIEMS kits by returning and presiding officers.

Use of Mobile Phones in Polling Stations

Meanwhile, the Commission maintained that the secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 38(3)(b) and 81(e) (i) of the Constitution and is a fundamental principle of democratic elections, noting that voters are expected to comply with the legal requirement.

Hence, any act that compromises the stated secrecy, particularly photographing and/or recording a marked ballot paper at the polling booth, undermines the integrity of the electoral process, exposes voters to undue influence, coercion, and vote-buying, and constitutes an electoral offense.

The Commission has further called upon all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, agents, the media, and voters to respect the law, uphold peace before, during, and after polling, and refrain from any actions that may compromise the secrecy or integrity of the vote.