The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued new directives guiding the handling of nomination disputes ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections across the country.
In a public notice dated October 9, 2025, and signed by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the Commission announced that all disputes arising from or relating to nominations must be determined within ten days of being lodged, and in any event, no later than October 21, 2025.
The directive is anchored on Article 88(4) of the Constitution, Section 4 of the IEBC Act (2011), Regulations 98(1) and (2) of the Elections (General) Regulations (2012), and Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure on Settlement of Disputes (2012).
"The Rules of Procedure on Settlement of Disputes may be accessed on the Commission’s website, https://www.iebc.or.ke/uploads/resources/902SFZiDqt.pdf," Ethekon said.
According to the notice, the Commission will hear and determine all such disputes at venues to be specified by IEBC officials.
Parties are required to submit their complaints physically at the Anniversary Towers headquarters in Nairobi or electronically through the official IEBC emails.
These are [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
Complainants will be notified of hearing schedules via email or phone call once their cases are received.
The Commission has also provided a Statutory Complaint Form, accessible on its website, to streamline the filing process and ensure consistency in documentation.
“The Rules of Procedure on Settlement of Disputes may be accessed on the Commission’s website,” read part of the directive, which also revoked two earlier gazette notices published in August 2025 that had contained conflicting provisions.
The by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, are expected to take place in several constituencies and wards where seats fell vacant following nullifications and resignations.
The Commission has assured Kenyans that the electoral process will adhere to constitutional timelines and uphold transparency and fairness.
Legal and governance experts say the directives are critical to maintaining electoral integrity and preventing disputes from escalating to the courts or delaying poll preparations.
In recent years, the IEBC has faced an increasing number of nomination disputes, especially during by-elections, often stemming from party primaries and eligibility questions.
The Commission’s decision to digitise the complaint process is seen as a step toward enhancing efficiency and accessibility for political aspirants and voters alike.
With campaigns already underway in several areas, including Kasipul, Mbeere North, and Matuga constituencies, the directives are expected to guide how aggrieved candidates or parties file and resolve nomination-related grievances before election day.
The IEBC has urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the legal framework and cooperate with the Commission to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
In a statement on Thursday, the commission emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to electoral rules during the campaign period.
“Candidates are urged to strictly adhere to the code of conduct during the electioneering period,” IEBC said on X.
A total of 24 electoral areas are set to hold by-elections.
Campaigns are set to run from 7am to 6pm daily and will officially conclude on Monday, November 24, 48 hours before the polling day.
Ethekon has reiterated that IEBC remains committed to conducting elections that are credible, timely, and free from irregularities.
