IEBC declares readiness for Thursday by-elections as campaigns officially closed

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it is fully prepared for the February 26 by-elections, assuring voters that materials, technology and personnel are in place as the country heads into the mini-poll.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said preparations to fill four vacant seats - the Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South, and ward representative positions in West Kabras (Kakamega) and Muminji and Evurore (Embu) - are progressing on schedule, with key logistical milestones already completed.

The electoral body said it has finalised procurement of election materials, gazetted candidates, polling stations and tallying centres, and serviced and configured the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits for deployment.

Ballot papers and other materials have also been packaged and dispatched to the respective areas, while election officials have undergone training focused on professionalism, integrity and proper results handling.

“The Commission further notes that campaigns officially closed yesterday on Monday, 23rd February 2026, at 6.00 p.m., in line with the gazetted election timelines. Any form of campaigning or engagement of voters for electoral purposes shall not be permissible,” said Ethekon.

He noted that polling stations will open at 6am and close at 5pm, adding that voters still in the queue at closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.

The commission boss said biometric identification using KIEMS kits will be used to verify all eligible voters, with registers already displayed at polling stations for public inspection.

The IEBC boss also struck a cautionary note, particularly on the use of mobile phones inside polling stations, warning voters against photographing or recording marked ballot papers.

“With the widespread use of smartphones, the Commission has observed a growing trend of voters using mobile phones inside polling stations. This conduct was observed during the by-elections held on 27th November 2025, where some voters photographed their marked ballot papers and shared those images on social media,” said Ethekon.

“The Commission reiterates that the secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 38(3)(b) and 81 (e) (i) of the Constitution and is a fundamental principle of democratic elections. Any act that compromises this secrecy, including photographing or recording a marked ballot paper, undermines the integrity of the electoral process, exposes voters to undue influence, coercion, and vote-buying, and constitutes an electoral offence.”

On assisted voting, he said persons living with disabilities, illiterate voters or those requiring lawful assistance may be helped by a person of their choice, though each assistant may only help one voter and must be officially recorded.

Ethekon further moved to rein in what he called “unauthorised presence” inside polling and tallying centres, stating that only one accredited agent per candidate or party will be allowed per polling station and one chief agent at tallying centres.

“There is no provision in law for “super agents” or any unauthorized persons to operate within polling or tallying centers. Further, politicians, political party officials, State officers, and public officers who are registered voters are entitled to vote only at their designated polling stations,” he warned.

“They are not permitted to move from one polling station to another. No person shall be admitted into a polling station if that person is wearing a badge, clothing, symbol, or any other item signifying support for a political party or candidate.”

Ethekon added that the commission, working alongside the National Police Service (NPS), will deploy at least two uniformed officers to every polling station, with additional personnel stationed at tallying centres to deter intimidation or disruption.

After voting closes, he said, counting will take place at polling stations in full view of agents, observers and the media, with the results forms displayed publicly and agents allowed to photograph them.

Returning officers will then collate and announce final results at constituency tallying centres before issuing certificates to winners.

“Any aggrieved party is reminded that the courts of law remain the lawful avenue for electoral dispute resolution. By-election results will be accessible to the public on the Commission’s results portal,” said Ethekon.