Independent Candidates Face Tight Deadlines as IEBC Rolls Out 2025 By-Elections Guidelines
IEBC has released new rules for the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
In a statement issued by Chairperson Erastus Ethukon on Wednesday, the Commission said official campaigns will run from October 8 to November 24, 2025. Aspirants will be allowed to hold rallies only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. IEBC is urging all political actors to observe peace and comply with electoral laws.
Independent candidates vying for various seats will need to get a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties confirming they have not been affiliated with any party for at least three months prior to the polls. They will also submit their chosen name and symbol to IEBC by September 17, 2025.
“The submission must be done using Forms 11N and 11P as outlined in the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012. Both electronic and hard copies should be dropped at Anniversary Towers, 21st Floor, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Ethukon directed.
Once approved, IEBC will publish the list of independent candidates’ symbols in the Kenya Gazette at least 14 days before nominations.
A pre-nomination and registration forum has also been scheduled for October 3, 2025, for aspirants to seek clarifications on the process from Returning Officers.
IEBC has also outlined nomination thresholds for independent candidates:
- Senate aspirants must submit at least 2,000 signatures from registered voters in their county, accompanied by ID copies.
- National Assembly aspirants need 1,000 registered voter signatures from their constituency.
- County Assembly aspirants require a minimum of 500 registered voter signatures from their ward.
All candidates must also provide the names of their election agents at least 14 days before voting day to allow IEBC time to process and train them.
The Electoral Code of Conduct takes effect from the day of the by-election notice until the swearing-in of winners. Disputes will be handled by the IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee between October 8 and October 17, 2025, while breaches of the Code will be managed by the Electoral Code of Conduct Committee until results are gazetted.
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Independent Candidates Face Tight Deadlines as IEBC Rolls Out 2025 By-Elections Guidelines