The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received the first batch of ballot papers and key statutory materials for the November 27, 2025 by-elections. The initial shipment touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday night, marking a crucial step in the preparations for next week’s vote.
According to the Commission, the ballot papers were printed by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece, at a total cost of Sh27 million. The company previously handled the printing of electoral materials for the 2022 General Election under a framework contract.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon led the team that received the first 10 pallets of materials. The remaining 29 pallets are expected to arrive on Friday evening at 7:30 pm. Dispatch to various constituencies and wards will begin immediately thereafter.
For security and logistical reasons, ballot papers destined for remote and sensitive areas—including Banisa and parts of Mandera—will be transported by air.
To enhance transparency, the Commission invited all 51 political parties participating in the by-elections to witness the arrival and verification of the materials.
The upcoming by-elections will fill vacancies in one Senate seat, six National Assembly seats, and 16 County Assembly seats. Affected areas include the Baringo Senate seat and parliamentary seats in Ugenya, Kasipul, Mbeere North, Banisa, Magarini, and Malava. Seventeen ward seats across counties such as Nairobi, Samburu, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Garissa, and Turkana are also up for contest.
IEBC reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections, even as the Chairperson once again lamented Kenya’s dependence on foreign firms for ballot printing. Ethekon has previously argued that mistrust among political actors has prevented the country from adopting local printing solutions.
He noted that Kenyan ballot papers carry more than 11 security features, making them more expensive to produce than even currency. In 2022, it cost approximately Sh23 to print a single ballot, amounting to over Sh3.4 billion for the General Election.
As the by-elections draw nearer, IEBC says preparations are on schedule and the integrity of the process remains its top priority.
