IEBC invites observers, media for Ol Kalou poll accreditation

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon during a meeting with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on May 15, 2026/ FILE

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited applications from election observer groups and media practitioners seeking accreditation for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the commission said interested organisations must submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System before the June 30 deadline.

The commission said accreditation will be open to organisations wishing to participate in the by-election as election observers and media practitioners.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) invites applications from organizations wishing to be accredited as Election Observers and Media Practitioners for the Ol-Kalou Constituency Member of National Assembly (MNA) By-Election scheduled for July 16, 2026,” the notice stated.

Applications must be submitted through the online accreditation portal at https://ams.iebc.or.ke by 5 pm on Tuesday, June 30.

The commission advised applicants to ensure they have a stable internet connection when submitting their details through the system.

IEBC said successful applicants will be issued with accreditation badges to facilitate access to polling stations and the constituency tallying centre during the mini-poll.

“The Commission will issue badges to accredited organizations to enable access to Polling Stations and the Constituency Tallying Center,” it said.

The electoral agency also reminded applicants that it does not provide financial support to observers or journalists participating in the exercise.

“The IEBC does not pay election observers and media practitioners,” the notice read in part.

The by-election is being conducted following the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026.

Kiaraho, who died aged 63 while undergoing treatment, was serving his third consecutive term in the National Assembly after winning the seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.

The July 16 contest is expected to attract significant political attention, with nine candidates already cleared by the commission to vie for the seat.

Among those in the race are United Democratic Alliance candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, Democracy for Citizens Party candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho and Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa.

IEBC has already published the by-election timetable and is continuing preparations for the mini-poll, including voter education, stakeholder engagement and accreditation of key election participants.

The commission said organisations interested in observing or covering the election should submit their applications within the stipulated timelines to facilitate processing ahead of polling day.