To ensure that voters take part in the by-elections scheduled, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has provided a step-by-step process of voting as part of the by-elections and has reiterated that the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot are fundamental tenets of the democratic practice in Kenya.

Taking to their social media handles on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Commission has outlined seven critical processes that voters will undergo when they get to polling points in a notice posted in public before the February 26 by-elections.

“Voting Procedure for the #26thFebByelections Please Note: The secrecy and sanctity of the vote must be preserved at all times,” the IEBC stated.

This is done by the voter submitting an authentic identification document, either a national identity card or a passport, to get access to the polling station. The voter will be verified once they are on the premises by election officials by use of the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit.

This e-checking is used to ensure that the registered voters are the only participants and the electoral process is credible and transparent. Once the verification is done successfully, a voter will be given a stamped ballot paper.

The Commission has further emphasised that a voter can only have one ballot paper that he or she must duly stamp with the stamps of the polling authorities to count.

The voter will then go to the voting point where he or she will put a cross on the candidate of his or her choice in secret. The fundamental right that the IEBC underscored is the secrecy of the ballot, which should be adhered to to the letter to ensure that there is no undue influence, coercion or voter intimidation.

After filling the ballot paper, the voter will fold the same and drop it in the ballot box provided. The election officials will then proceed to stamp the finger of the voter with permanent ink, indicating that he/she has used their democratic right and cannot vote once again. It ends with the voter leaving the polling station, and persons can carry on in an orderly fashion.

Notably, the Commission restated that the secrecy and sanctity of the vote should be observed at all times and urged voters, the leadership of the elections and the observers to maintain integrity during the exercise.

The IEBC also urged the qualified voters to come out in high numbers to vote harmoniously and stated that compliance with the stipulated procedures will bring transparency, accountability, and confidence of the people in the elections.

In some regions, 4 regions today, voters will go to the polls to take part in by-elections that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials undertook to fill elective vacancies.

The mini-polls will be conducted in one parliamentary seat and three county assembly wards, and the exercise will be monitored by the electoral officials to make sure that the electoral laws and guidelines are adhered to.

Isiolo South Constituency by-elections

The major parliamentary race is in the Isiolo South Constituency, where the people are electing a new member of parliament after the incumbent died. The by-election has attracted much attention, with people coming to vote to elect a new representative in the National Assembly.

By-elections at the ward level

On the county level, by-elections are being registered in two wards in Embu County, Muminji Ward and Evurore Ward, where the electorate is electing new Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). In Kakamega County, another ward-level tussle is being done in West Kabras Ward, also to fill an empty MCA position.

The IEBC has urged voters in all the affected regions to uphold peace and use the stipulated voting process and has stressed on the significance of free, fair and credible elections. The Commission was optimistic of its readiness and it encouraged the qualified voters to vote in great numbers to enhance democratic governance in both national and county levels.