The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced November 27, 2025 as the date for by-elections in 24 electoral units across the country.

The mini-polls will fill 23 vacant seats, one senatorial, six parliamentary and 16 ward positions, making it a significant moment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Aspirants seeking to contest must meet strict eligibility criteria.

Only Kenyan citizens by birth are allowed to run and those holding dual citizenship must first renounce it formally.

Candidates are also required to have at least a post-secondary qualification recognised in Kenya.

Nomination fees have been set at Sh10,000 for women, youth and persons with disabilities while all other candidates will pay Sh20,000.

Independent candidates must go a step further by submitting a list of 1,000 registered voters from the electoral area they wish to contest in, each accompanied by a copy of their national ID.

In addition, all candidates must present several documents during nomination. These include a copy of their national identity card, academic certificates, a nomination certificate from the Commission and a self-declaration form from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Legal and ethical requirements also apply as candidates must meet the standards outlined in the Leadership and Integrity Act, must not be bankrupt and must not have been convicted of a criminal offence resulting in a sentence of more than six months.

Anyone who has served as a public officer within five months of the election date is also barred from contesting.

Nomination can be through a registered political party or as an independent.

 The IEBC says preparations are underway including updates to the voter register to ensure the mini-polls run smoothly.

The vacancies have arisen from a range of circumstances. Banisa lost its MP Kullow Hassan Aden in a hit-and-run accident in March 2023.

Malava’s seat fell vacant following the death of Malulu Injendi while Magarini’s was nullified by the Supreme Court.

Kasipul’s Charles Were was assassinated in May this year. Ugunja and Mbeere North became vacant after their MPs were appointed to the Cabinet.

Several ward seats were also declared vacant including Angata Nanyokie in Samburu, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny in Nandi, Chewani in Tana River, Fafi in Garissa, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Kisa East in Kakamega, Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet, Mumbuni North in Machakos, Narok Town in Narok, Purko in Kajiado, Tembelio in Uasin Gishu, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo in Nyamira and Lake Zone and Nanaam in Turkana. Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma was also gazetted.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said delays in reconstituting the Commission had slowed electoral processes but assured the public that the agency is now fully operational.

 “This is a priority matter. Constituencies like Banisa have gone almost three years without representation,” he said.

With timelines now in motion, aspirants are advised to ensure they meet all requirements and submit complete documentation ahead of the polls