The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has opened a 10-day window to resolve disputes arising from the candidate registration process.

This follows the completion of candidate registration for 24 electoral areas scheduled to hold by-elections on November 27, 2025. The dispute period is intended to address any challenges or complaints related to candidate eligibility, ensuring that all nominations comply with legal requirements.

The announcement was made on October 9, 2025, via the IEBC’s official X account. The Commission said the 10-day window aims to uphold transparency and fairness ahead of the by-elections, allowing sufficient time to resolve issues before campaigns intensify and voters head to the polls.

“The Commission has today finalised the registration of candidates for the 24 electoral areas with by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025. Following this, a 10-day window will be open for resolving any disputes arising from the candidate registration process,” the IEBC’s X post reads.

“All campaign activities for the by-elections must cease 48 hours before the election date. The Commission calls upon candidates and members of the public to maintain peace and order during the campaign period. Candidates are urged to strictly adhere to the code of conduct during the electioneering period.”

By-elections

The by-elections will fill seven parliamentary seats and 17 ward-level positions. Parliamentary vacancies include six National Assembly constituencies, Ugunja, Kasipul, Mbeere North, Banisa, Magarini, and Malava, and one Senate seat in Baringo County. Ward-level seats span counties including Samburu, Nandi, Tana River, Garissa, Nairobi City, Kakamega, Elgeyo Marakwet, Machakos, Narok, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Nyamira, and Turkana.

The vacancies result from various causes, such as the 2023 death of Banisa MP Kullow Hassan and the judicial nullification of Harrison Kombe’s election as MP for Magarini Constituency. IEBC has conducted thorough vetting of nominees against a checklist of legal requirements, including qualifications and disqualifications for each elective position.

Registration and campaign timeline

On October 9, 2025, Banisa Constituency Returning Officer Hussein Abdi Hassan completed candidate registration at Wayam Primary School, clearing nominees to contest in the by-election. Similar procedures have been conducted across other constituencies and wards.

Campaign activities are scheduled to run daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until Monday, November 24, 2025, after which all activities must cease 48 hours before the election date, as mandated by the IEBC. Candidates have since begun engaging voters within the prescribed timelines.

The Commission has called on candidates and the public to maintain peace and order during the campaign period, emphasising strict adherence to the electoral code of conduct. The delay in the IEBC’s reconstitution, which temporarily left the Commission without a full roster of Commissioners to receive parliamentary notifications, contributed to the postponement of the by-elections.

The 10-day dispute resolution window, starting October 9, 2025, provides an opportunity to address challenges related to candidate eligibility and ensure a smooth transition to the November 27 polls.