The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday morning received three pallets of ballot papers and statutory election forms at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, ahead of the May 14, 2026 by-elections in three electoral areas.

The materials are meant for the Member of National Assembly by-election in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County, and Member of County Assembly seats in Porro Ward, Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

IEBC officials supervised the arrival and verification of the consignments before moving them to secure storage. The commission said the process marks a key stage in final preparations for the polls.

“The Commission is fully prepared to conduct the by-elections. All other preparations, including security arrangements and dispatch of materials, are at an advanced stage,” IEBC said in a statement.

It added that training of polling officials is ongoing, and those trained will take an oath of secrecy before deployment.

The ballot papers and statutory forms were printed by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece. IEBC said it invited political parties and media representatives to witness the arrival and handling of the materials to ensure transparency.

“This is part of our commitment to deliver free, fair and credible elections,” the commission said.

Security tightened

Security agencies are working with IEBC to ensure safe transportation of the materials to the affected counties. The commission said coordination is in place to guarantee timely delivery to polling stations and protect the integrity of the process.

Campaigns in the three electoral areas end on Monday at 5 pm, ahead of the voting day on Thursday, May 14. IEBC has also assured voters that all systems are ready.

In Emurua Dikirr, the by-election has drawn close political competition between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The seat fell vacant after the death of MP Johana Ngeno in a helicopter crash in February.

UDA has fielded David Keter, while DCP is fronting former Mogondo MCA Vincent Rotich.

IEBC said the by-elections will follow the Constitution and electoral laws. It is also expected to release detailed guidelines covering final preparations, including voter readiness and logistics.

Earlier, the commission requested Ksh59.38 million to conduct the Emurua Dikirr by-election, citing the rising cost of organising mid-term polls.

IEBC has urged voters in Emurua Dikirr, Porro Ward, and Endo Ward to turn out in large numbers and participate peacefully in the exercise.