Voting is currently underway in various constituencies and wards as Kenyans cast their votes in by-elections for National Assembly, Senate and County Assembly seats.
Polling stations opened at 6:00 am nationwide. Voters are being identified via the KIEMS biometric system and are required to verify their registration details from the 2022 voter register, which has been displayed at each polling centre for transparency.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, anyone in the queue by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast their vote.
“Polling stations will open at 6:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. In cases where opening is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, time lost will be compensated. All voters who are in the queue by 5:00 pm will be allowed to cast their ballots,” Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said in a statement.
The National Police Service has reassured the public that security officials are fully deployed across polling stations, transit routes, and sensitive areas to guarantee a peaceful voting atmosphere.
The hairperson Erastus Ethekon, said all logistical preparations have been completed, including the distribution of ballot papers, the deployment of polling officials, and the KIEMS-kit voter identification.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has cautioned voters and party agents against taking photographs of ballot papers during voting.
The commission stressed that the secrecy and integrity of individual votes must be protected at all times. IEBC is conducting by-elections in 22 electoral areas.
Political leaders have been put on notice by IEBC, warning them against engaging in actions that could disrupt and delay the tallying and announcement of results.
“Only accredited persons with identification and badges are allowed to access the centers and observe the tallying and declaration of results. In cases where senior elected and party leaders would like to witness the Tallying process, we urge all of them to respect the integrity and the importance of the Tallying centre and to accord our officials and security the necessary cooperation and support”, the IEBC chair advised.
By-election results will be accessible to the public on the Commission’s results portal: https://forms.iebc.or.ke
