IEBC observers/IllustrationThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has commenced preparations for upcoming by-elections with a call for accreditation of voter education providers and election observers.
Also included are the media practitioners.
In a public notice issued August 6, the commission is inviting interested organisations to submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System (AMS) available at https://ams.iebc.or.ke.
“The deadline for submission is set for Friday, 5th September 2025 at 5pm,” it reads.
The commission has also advised the applicants to ensure stable internet connectivity when submitting their details online.
Organisations seeking accreditation as voter education providers are further required to obtain a physical address authentication form from their respective County Election Manager’s office.
They should have it duly completed, and upload it alongside other required documents on the AMS portal. Those successful are set to be trained prior commencing their respective roles.
“The commission will conduct training for all accredited organisations and issue accreditation certificates, identification badges, and other essential materials before they begin their activities,” it said.
The commission has also emphasised that it does not offer payment for services rendered by voter education providers, observers, or media practitioners.
IEBC is currently updating the voter register in readiness of the mini-polls.
There are a total of 23 vacant seats. It include one senatorial, six parliamentary, and 16 ward representative positions.
“This is a priority matter. As you have noticed, more than two years have already passed. Constituencies like Banisa in the Northeast have gone almost three years without a Member of Parliament,” IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said during a recent event.
Banisa seat fell vacant following the death of Kullow Hassan Aden in March 2023 in a road accident in Nairobi.
Other vacant MP seats include Malava held by the late Malulu Injendi, who died after an illness, Magarini, which was declared vacant after the Supreme Court nullified the election of Harrison Kombe and that of Kasipul of Charles Were who was assassinated on May 1, 2025.
Ugunja and Mbeere North, occasioned by the appointment of Opiyo Wandayi and Geoffrey Ruku, respectively, to the Cabinet, are also among them.
