The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) held a joint national planning meeting as part of its preparations for the February 26 by-elections.
The Commission says the by-elections will be conducted for the Member of the National Assembly seat in Isiolo South Constituency, along with County Assembly Ward seats in West Kabras (Malava Constituency), Evurore, and Muminji (Mbeere Constituency).
The four seats were declared vacant following the death and resignation of incumbents, respectively.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, in his remarks read by Commissioner Prof. Francis Aduol, thanked the staff for their exemplary work that enabled the Commission conduct successful 22 by-elections in 2025.
“This workshop seeks to ensure that data protection compliance, HR resourcing and security, register of voters integrity, training frameworks, audit issues, candidate registration systems, stakeholder engagement, oath administration and overall coordination are addressed comprehensively ahead of polling day”. He said.
He noted that the last by-elections presented learning opportunities for the Commission, such as bolstering the safety of the electoral process and sealing off all potential gaps to protect IEBC from litigation.
“The Commission thanks all who were involved in conduct of the successful 27th November 2025 by-election and urges full compliance with the rule of law in the conduct of the 26th February 2026 by-elections. Let us uphold the values and principles of good customer service. Effective planning is critical for the success of any process, and as we deliberate, let us draw out all scenarios possible and develop an active mitigation process,” he stated.
On his part, Commissioner Aduol said the Commission is committed to delivering the best election ever, having learnt from the 2013, 2017 and 2022 general elections.
Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit emphasised the importance of educating Kenyans on electoral processes.
“There is need to educate the public, especially candidates, to understand that elections are conducted and decided at the polling station. Many Kenyans also are not aware of how the election process works, she said.
The Commission’s CEO, Hussein Marjan, cited several challenges, including operational pressures such as delayed exchequer releases, staff welfare concerns, school calendar conflicts, and misinformation on social media, underscoring the need for proactive coordination, clear communication, and early risk mitigation.
“If we get the administration right, the operations tight, and the systems aligned, the Commission will once again demonstrate that electoral credibility is built not on rhetoric, but on preparation and performance,” said Marjan.
