The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to conduct 24 by-elections across Kenya on November 27, 2025, marking a significant trial for the newly reconstituted body.
These mini-polls, necessitated by various circumstances including deaths and appointments, will fill one senatorial seat, six National Assembly slots, and 17 county ward positions.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon affirmed the commission’s readiness, stating, “We are ready for November 27 by-elections.”
The by-elections are widely viewed as a litmus test for the IEBC’s preparedness and credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers are particularly focused on the Malava and Mbeere North parliamentary by-elections, which are seen as indicators of grassroots strength for both the ruling coalition and the opposition.
In Malava, the race pits the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), with significant implications for potential 2027 running mates.
Similarly, Mbeere North will gauge UDA’s popularity in the Mount Kenya region following recent political shifts.
To ensure electoral integrity, the IEBC has issued stern warnings against electoral offenses.
Chairperson Ethekon cautioned against double voter registration and providing false information, stating, “Double registration is an electoral offence. Our system will definitely flag out a person who attempts to register as a voter more than once.”
Such offenses carry severe penalties, including fines of up to Ksh1 million or imprisonment.
The commission has also received the first batch of ballot papers, printed in Greece at a cost of Sh27 million, with dispatch to polling areas which commenced on November 21.
The total cost for these 24 by-elections is budgeted at Sh1.046 billion, a figure that has sparked public debate on the high cost of elections in Kenya.
