Kenya is gearing up for its 2025 by-elections, scheduled for November 27, 2025. With the election day fast approaching, both voters and aspirants need to stay informed about key deadlines and procedures outlined by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Independent candidates have a crucial deadline to submit their names and symbols by September 17, 2025. To ensure transparency and preparedness, the IEBC will hold pre-nomination meetings on October 3, providing aspirants with essential guidance ahead of the official nomination period.
The registration of candidates, including both independent and party-backed participants, is scheduled for October 8 and 9, 2025. Following registration, the campaign period will run from October 8 to November 24, concluding 48 hours before election day. Daily campaigning will be permitted from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, allowing candidates adequate time to engage with voters.
Independent aspirants must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include a three-month gap from political party membership and the submission of a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties. These measures ensure that only qualified candidates participate in the electoral process.
The IEBC has also set a dispute resolution window from October 8 to October 17, during which any disagreements regarding candidate eligibility or other electoral matters will be addressed. This structured approach helps maintain fairness and transparency throughout the election process.
Kenya’s structured timelines aim to provide both candidates and voters with ample opportunity to prepare for a smooth, organized, and democratic by-election. By adhering to these schedules, the IEBC seeks to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure active citizen participation.
As the countdown to November 27, 2025, continues, all stakeholders are encouraged to mark these critical dates and stay informed to contribute to a transparent and credible by-election.