The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially begun logistical preparations for the November 27, 2025 by-elections after receiving the first batch of ballot papers and statutory forms on Thursday night.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that 10 pallets arrived in the country, marking the start of a tightly coordinated exercise expected to run through next week. The remaining 29 pallets are scheduled to land by Friday at 7:30 pm.
Distribution of all election materials to constituency tallying centres will begin on November 21. According to the Commission, ballot papers destined for remote and high-risk areas including Banisa and Mandera will be transported by air due to security concerns and logistical challenges on the ground.
To enhance transparency, IEBC invited representatives from all 51 participating political parties to witness the arrival and verification of the materials. The ballot papers were printed in Athens, Greece, by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA at a cost of Sh27 million.
Ethekon reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering free, fair and credible by-elections. He, however, expressed disappointment that the materials could not be printed locally, noting that local printing would save costs and build national capacity. IEBC has maintained that low trust levels have prevented it from awarding the tender to a local or government printer.
The November 27 by-elections will fill numerous seats that have remained vacant for more than two years. These include wards such as Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega) and Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet).
Other wards heading to the polls include Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), as well as Lake Zone and Nanaam in Turkana.
The ballot will also cover the Baringo Senate seat and several parliamentary constituencies including Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja, alongside the MCA seat for Kabuchai.
Political parties were required to submit their candidates by September 17, while public officers intending to vie had a seven-day window to resign upon issuance of the election notice.
 has officially begun logistical preparations for the November 27, 2025 by-elections after receiving the first batch of ballot papers and statutory forms on Thursday night.){kind=link}