The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has finalized all preparations for the mini-polls scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026. In a progress update, the commission confirmed that the electoral process remains strictly on schedule across several key regions.
Voters will head to the polls to fill vacancies in both the National Assembly and various County Assemblies. The high-profile contest features the race for Isiolo South Constituency in Isiolo County, alongside Member of the County Assembly (MCA) seats for West Kabras Ward (Kakamega County), as well as Muminji and Evurore Wards in Embu County.
Why the Seats Are Vacant
The upcoming by-elections stem from a mix of transitions and tragic losses:
-
Isiolo South: The parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Mohamed Tubi Bidu on November 12, 2025, while he was receiving treatment in Nairobi.
-
West Kabras: The ward seat fell vacant after David Ndakwa successfully contested and won the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat.
-
Embu County: In Muminji and Evurore, MCAs Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui resigned to run for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat. Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku officially declared these seats vacant in December 2025.
Readiness and Technology
In a press release issued Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the IEBC highlighted several logistical milestones. The commission has already procured all essential materials and gazetted the list of candidates, polling stations, and tallying centers.
To ensure a smooth digital experience, officials have serviced and configured the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits. These kits will identify every eligible voter at the polling stations.
“The commission has packaged and dispatched all materials, including ballot papers, to the respective electoral areas,” the IEBC confirmed.
The commission also finalized training for its staff, focusing on integrity, professionalism, and the technical procedures for managing results.
Polling Day Rules and Restrictions
Campaigns officially concluded on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The IEBC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any campaigning beyond this deadline. On polling day, stations will open promptly at 6:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., though anyone still in the queue by closing time will be permitted to vote.
The commission issued a stern warning regarding the use of technology inside the booths:
“The secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right. Photographing or recording a marked ballot paper undermines the integrity of the process and constitutes an electoral offense,” the statement read.
To protect this secrecy, the IEBC will enforce administrative controls to prevent the use of mobile phones within polling stations.
Transparency and Security
To safeguard the results, the IEBC has coordinated with the National Police Service to deploy two uniformed officers to every polling station. Additional security will secure the tallying centers to prevent intimidation or interference.
Once the polls close, presiding officers will count the ballots in full view of observers, the media, and party agents. Returning Officers will then verify and declare the final results at the constituency tallying centers before issuing certificates to the winners.