The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission began its preparations for the November 27 by-elections on Thursday night after receiving the first shipment of ballot papers and statutory forms. This initial delivery marks a major step in the logistics process for polls that will fill numerous long-vacant seats across the country.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that the Commission received 10 pallets of materials, with the remaining 29 pallets expected to arrive by Friday at 7:30 pm. Once all materials are in the country, distribution to constituency tallying centres will begin on November 21. These deliveries are part of the Commission’s broader plan to ensure that every polling station is fully equipped ahead of the election date.
Because of security concerns and difficult terrain, ballot papers for remote and high-risk constituencies—such as Banisa and Mandera—will be transported by air. Ethekon emphasised that these measures are necessary to guarantee timely and secure delivery to all regions, especially areas where ground transport poses significant challenges.
To strengthen transparency, IEBC invited all 51 political parties participating in the by-elections to witness the arrival of the ballot papers. The materials were printed by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece, at a cost of Sh27 million. While announcing the delivery, Ethekon reiterated the Commission’s commitment to running free, fair, and credible elections.
He also repeated concerns he raised last month regarding Kenya’s inability to print ballot materials locally. According to Ethekon, local printing would reduce costs, simplify logistics, and help build national capacity. However, he noted that a lack of trust in local printers, including government facilities, has made it difficult for the Commission to award such contracts within the country.
The November 27 by-elections will fill several ward and parliamentary positions that have remained vacant for more than two years. Affected areas include Angata Nanyokie in Samburu, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny in Nandi, Chewani in Tana River, Fafi in Garissa, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Kisa East in Kakamega, and Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet. Additional contests will be held in Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), and multiple wards in Nyamira and Turkana counties.
The by-elections also cover major positions such as the Baringo Senate seat and parliamentary seats for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja, along with the MCA position for Kabuchai. Political parties submitted their candidates’ names by September 17, while public officers seeking to contest were required to resign within seven days of the election notice.
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