IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon with other commissioners and members of the secretariat during a meeting with the returning officers on September 18, 2025/IEBCThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has stepped up preparations for 24 by-elections set to take place across the country on November 27, 2025.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, together with the commissioners, met gazetted Returning Officers(ROs)) and key staff in Naivasha to review the logistics and operations required for the exercise.
The session marked a critical step in ensuring that the electoral body is fully prepared to manage the polls efficiently.
The upcoming by-elections will cover one senatorial race, six constituencies for members of the National Assembly, and 17 wards where seats have fallen vacant due to deaths, resignations or nullifications by courts.
In his address, Ethekon emphasised that the process will be conducted in strict adherence to the constitution and electoral laws.
He noted that early coordination with the ROs was essential for smooth delivery of credible polls.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that the November by-elections are transparent, accountable, and reflect the will of the people,” he said.
Ethekon also urged the officers to remain focused and adhere to the rule of law.
“Time and again you have displayed high mastery of your job. I have no doubt in your professionalism and credibility to deliver on this exercise,” he stated.
“As IEBC plans for these by-elections, know that the expectations are high, scrutiny will be intense, and you should rise to the occasion.”
He stated the officers deployed for the exercise have been vetted and found to be trustworthy and can go beyond the normal call of duty to deliver the results.
“Let Kenyans feel the values of integrity, impartiality and transparency when we deliver these by-elections, which are competitive. Show your integrity, be professional, do the right thing and stand up for what is right.”
The chairperson stressed that the country is anxious and keen to evaluate the kind of commission in place under “my leadership”.
He expressed confidence in the Secretariat staff noting they will work with the officers to deliver the sovereign will of Kenyans.
“As chairperson I’m not only here to provide leadership, but to be led by you to conduct these by-elections. I expect collegiality, mutual respect and collective responsibility from all of us,” said Ethekon.
Key issues under discussion included ballot distribution, security deployment, and the role of technology in results transmission.
The commission also outlined its strategy for voter education and stakeholder engagement to encourage peaceful participation.
IEBC further assured Kenyans that it is working closely with security agencies and other institutions to guarantee order during the voting process.
The commission called on political parties and candidates to conduct themselves responsibly and urged voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully.
