The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that all pending by-elections across the country will be conducted on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in a nationwide exercise to fill vacant political seats.
In a Gazette Notice dated Friday, August 8, 2025, the Commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, said the move is aimed at ensuring that representation gaps at county and national levels are promptly addressed.
“All by-elections will be held on November 27, 2025. The gazettement of the by-elections has been scheduled in two batches,” read part of the notice.
First Batch: MCA Seats
The first list, gazetted on August 8, includes vacancies for Member of County Assembly (MCA) in:
- Angata Nanyokie Ward (Samburu County)
- Chemundu Ward (Nandi County)
- Chewani Ward (Tana River County)
- Fafi Ward (Garissa County)
- Kariobangi North Ward (Nairobi City County)
- Kisa East Ward (Kakamega County)
- Metkei Ward (Elgeyo Marakwet County)
- Mumbuni North Ward (Machakos County)
- Purko Ward (Kajiado County)
- Tembelio Ward (Uasin Gishu County)
Second Batch: National and Senate Seats
The second list, to be gazetted on Monday, August 11, 2025, covers higher-level positions, including:
- Baringo County Senate seat
- Members of the National Assembly for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies
- MCA seat for Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County
Key Deadlines and Regulations
The IEBC outlined a strict timetable for parties and independent candidates:
- Party Participation: Political parties intending to field candidates must submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorized officials to the IEBC by Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
- Party Primaries and Disputes: All party primaries must be concluded, and any intra-party disputes resolved, with the final list of nominees submitted to the Commission by Thursday, October 2, 2025.
- Independent Candidates: Those wishing to run independently must not have been members of any political party for at least three months prior to the election date.
- Public Officers: Any public officer intending to vie must resign from their position within seven days of this announcement.
- Nomination Days: Registration and nomination for both party and independent candidates will take place on October 8 and 9, 2025.
The Commission also noted that it will publish the names and symbols of independent candidates in the Kenya Gazette at least 14 days before the nomination day.
This announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a heated political season in the affected regions, with party strategists and independent aspirants now racing to meet the set timelines.
