The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set out fresh, detailed guidelines for candidates eyeing the upcoming by-elections, with strict timelines for nomination and campaign activities.
According to a notice released Wednesday, the nomination and registration of candidates will take place on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9, 2025. Submissions must be made between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, followed by candidate interviews from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the same days.
Independent Candidates Face Stricter Rules
The commission emphasized that independent aspirants must prove they are free of political party ties. Those intending to run as independents should have resigned from any party membership at least three months before the election date.
Each must present a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties, confirming they are not affiliated with any registered political outfit.
In addition, independent candidates will be required to marshal significant grassroots support:
Senate aspirants: Backing from 2,000 registered voters in the county, complete with signatures and ID/passport details.
National Assembly aspirants: Support from 1,000 registered voters in their constituencies.
County Assembly aspirants: Endorsements from 500 voters within their wards.
All candidates must also attach copies of supporters’ identity cards in their nomination packages, raising the bar for compliance.
Campaign Window Set
The official campaign period will open on Wednesday, October 26, 2025, and run for 28 days, ending at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025. Candidates will be restricted to campaigning between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.
IEBC has also directed independent candidates to submit the names of their polling and tallying agents at least 14 days before the by-election date to allow for training and accreditation.
Voter Registration Resumes — With Exceptions
Alongside the by-election preparations, IEBC has announced that Continuous Voter Registration will resume on Monday, September 29, 2025. However, the exercise will not take place in constituencies where by-elections are scheduled, to avoid overstretching electoral resources.
The registration drive is targeting newly eligible voters turning 18, first-time registrants, and Kenyans needing to update their details. Services will be available at all IEBC constituency offices nationwide, except in affected by-election areas.
The upcoming by-elections are being watched closely as political parties and independents alike scramble to secure grassroots representation. By tightening compliance requirements, IEBC is signaling its determination to enforce electoral integrity while ensuring only serious contenders make it to the ballot.
With barely a month to nomination day, aspirants now face a race against time to meet the strict documentation and support thresholds set by the electoral body.
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