The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has finally dated the four delayed by-elections to February 26, 2026, thus paving the way for the electors within the involved constituencies to choose new leaders.
The IEBC chairman, Erustus Ethekon, announced the dates via a notice in the gazette on December 19 as follows:
“Notice of proposed election dates. Pursuant to section 44 (3) of the Elections act, notice is given of the proposed election dates as follows.”
The notice from the IEBCThe by-elections will take place for the Member of National Assembly seat in Isiolo South Constituency as well as three other ward seats: Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, and the West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County.
With the clock now ticking, the commission has set strict timelines to guide the process. Parties wishing to participate in the by-election have been directed to submit the names of the candidates selected during the party primaries, along with the dates of the primaries, by January 2, 2026.
Independent candidates have also been offered the same timeframe in which to submit their names, as well as the symbols they will use on the ballot.
Before the elections, newly registered political parties as well as those who have listed new members in their rolls are required to submit certified lists of members to the commission by January 2. Each party is expected to furnish the name and specimen signature of its authorized officers not later than Tuesday, January 13.
The commission also reminded public officers seeking elective positions that they must quit their offices within seven days of being informed of the creation of the post.
For those who wish to nominate their candidates through indirect nomination, IEBC instructed that the list of nominated aspirants must be submitted by Friday, January 16.
Nominations for presidential candidates shall be held over two days – Thursday, January 22nd, and Friday, January 23rd. The campaigns shall officially begin on January 22nd and shall end on February 23rd, 48 hours prior to polling day.
IEBC had timelines on how disputes are supposed to be handled. Disputes that arise from the nomination process are supposed to be filed with the commissions within 24 hours of the occurrence and, in any case, by Monday, January 26.
This development will ensure that the voters and aspiring members of the newly created regions get clarity. With the by-election schedule in place, attention will now shift to party nominations, as well as campaigns. These will influence the February 26 election schedule.