IEBC Announces Key Dates for February 2026 By-Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set 26 February 2026 as the date for four by-elections in Isiolo, Embu and Kakamega counties.

In a gazette notice dated 19 December, IEBC Chairperson Erustus Ethekon formally declared vacancies in Isiolo South Constituency, Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, and West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County. Voters in these areas will elect new representatives following the vacancies.

The Commission outlined key deadlines for political parties and independent candidates. Parties intending to nominate candidates must submit details of their nomination processes, including the names of contestants, by 2 January 2026. Independent candidates are required to submit their names and electoral symbols by the same date.

Newly registered parties, as well as those that have updated their membership lists, must provide certified copies of their registers to the Commission by 2 January. Political parties are also required to submit specimen signatures of authorised officials by 13 January to facilitate the nomination process.

Public officers seeking to contest the by-elections have been directed to resign from office within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies. For parties using indirect nomination methods, the deadline to submit the names of nominated candidates is 16 January.

Candidate nominations will take place on 22 and 23 January. Campaigns will begin immediately after nominations and will run until 23 February, two days before polling. The Commission has said that any disputes arising from the nomination process must be filed within 24 hours of occurrence and no later than 26 January.