All 24 Pending By-Elections to Be Completed This Year, IEBC Confirms

Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) targets the completion of 24 delayed by-elections within 2025, while affirming that the next General Election remains scheduled for August 2027. 

This declaration arrives amidst increased public and political discourse regarding the integrity of the nation’s electoral mechanisms. The by-elections, encompassing seven parliamentary and 17 ward-level contests, have faced postponements attributable to expired writs and logistical difficulties. 

Some constituencies and wards have lacked elected representation for over two years, intensifying concerns about democratic accountability and service efficacy. According to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum, the commission's elections operations committee is finalising a detailed schedule for the mini-polls, expected to be released within the next week. 

"The elections operations committee will give a way forward on how we will conduct the mini polls. We are working around the clock to ensure we meet the timelines,” Ethekon said.

Vacancies include six National Assembly constituencies: Ugenya, Kasipul, Mbeere North, Banisa, Magarini, and Malava, alongside the Baringo senatorial seat. These vacancies necessitate official writs from Parliament to initiate the electoral process, adhering to Article 101(4)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that by-elections occur within 90 days of writ issuance, unless the vacancy emerges within six months of a General Election.

The IEBC faces a considerable funding gap, estimating that over Sh1 billion is required for the by-elections, with only Sh788 million allocated thus far. Ethekon indicates that the commission’s secretariat is actively engaging with Parliament and the National Treasury to secure the remaining funds, a crucial step for maintaining the credibility and efficiency of the electoral process.

The IEBC has outlined new committee assignments for its commissioners to enhance operational clarity and accountability. Vice-Chairperson Fahima Abdallah is assigned to oversee finance and procurement, while Ann Nderitu will lead election operations. Additional appointments include Moses Alutalala for voter education and stakeholder engagement, Mary Karen Sorobit for legal and compliance, Prof Francis Aduol for boundaries and ICT, and Hassan Noor Hassan for human resources.

The commission’s heightened focus on transparency is a response to recent political assertions suggesting potential electoral malpractice favouring President William Ruto’s re-election. Ethekon refuted these claims, asserting that the IEBC “will not tint its windows from inside,” and promising an open and accountable process.

Moreover, a legal petition advocating for moving the presidential election to August 2026 remains under judicial consideration.