IEBC sets November 27 as by-elections date in 11 counties

By Newsflash Writer

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that multiple by-elections for various elective positions across the country will be held on Thursday, 27th November 2025.

In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said the gazettement of the polls would be done in two phases — with the first batch officially published on 8th August 2025 and the second on 11th August 2025.

Batch one: MCA by-elections in 16 wards

The first batch covers Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in 16 wards across 11 counties. These include:

Samburu County – Angata Nanyokie Ward
Nandi County – Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward
Tana River County – Chewani Ward
Garissa County – Fafi Ward
Nairobi City County – Kariobangi North Ward
Kakamega County – Kisa East Ward
Elgeyo Marakwet County – Metkei Ward
Machakos County – Mumbuni North Ward
Narok County – Narok Town Ward
Kajiado County – Purko Ward
Uasin Gishu County – Tembelio Ward
Nyamira County – Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo Wards
Turkana County – Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards

Batch two: Parliamentary and Senate seats

The second batch, to be gazetted on Monday, 11th August 2025, includes:

Senate Seat – Baringo County
National Assembly Seats – Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja
MCA Seat – Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County

These vacancies arose from legal disputes, resignations, deaths of sitting members, and election nullifications. The Baringo Senate race is expected to draw national attention given the county’s political significance.

Political stakes and expected contests

Analysts view the November 27 polls as an early test for Kenya’s major political formations ahead of the 2027 General Election. Both the ruling coalition and opposition are expected to field strong candidates to reclaim ground and gauge voter sentiment.

Read more: Profiles of new IEBC nominees

National Assembly races in constituencies like Malava and Kasipul could prove decisive, while Nairobi’s Kariobangi North MCA race is expected to focus on service delivery and housing. In pastoralist regions such as Samburu, Turkana, and Garissa, clan and regional alliances may play a significant role.

IEBC’s preparations and voter participation

The IEBC has assured that the polls will adhere to the Constitution and electoral laws.

“Detailed timelines for nominations, campaigns, and voter education will be released after gazettement,” the commission stated, adding that voter registers will be verified to ensure only eligible electors participate.

Civil society groups have urged transparency, fairness, and peaceful campaigns, particularly in areas with past electoral disputes.

With just over three months to go, the by-elections are expected to influence Kenya’s political climate in 2026 and serve as an early measure of party strength ahead of the next general election.