IEBC has challenged political parties’ IT administrators to exercise due diligence while entering candidates’ information into its systems ahead of the upcoming byelections across the country.

In a statement on Monday, September 8, 2025, the commission’s Election Operations Committee chair, Ann Nderitu, challenged the political parties to adhere to the set timelines and exercise profound caution while engaging their systems.

CRMS system

Nderitu, who oversaw the technical training on the Candidate Registration Management System (CRMS) for political parties’ IT administrators, described the workshop as a critical step in preparations for the by-elections

She specifically referenced the Candidate Registration Management System (CRMS), which the several administrators will be tasked with accurately and efficiently uploading their parties’ candidates’ details into the system in preparation for upcoming by-elections.

“Commissioner Ann Nderitu, CBS, Chairperson of the Election Operations Committee, officially opened the training workshop, describing it as a critical step in preparations for the by-elections. She commended political parties for adhering to Commission timelines and underscored the importance of attention to detail when entering candidates’ information. Commissioner Ann called for accuracy, efficiency, and integrity, highlighting inclusion and stakeholder participation as guiding principles for CRMS.” The electoral body statement read.

Her plea comes days after the electoral umpire issued a raft of directives to guide independent candidates seeking to participate in the forthcoming polls.

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.

Regulations on Independent candidates

They were also reminded 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.

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.