IEBC sets by-elections for Isiolo South, wards in Mbeere North and Malava for February 2026

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that 4 by elections have been scheduled for February 26, 2026.

In a gazette notice, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the by-elections include an MP position in Isiolo South constituency, positions for Members of County Assembly in Muminji and Evurore ward in Mbeere North constituency.

Likewise, an MCA by-election for West Kabras ward in Malava constituency, Kakamega county has also been scheduled for the same day.

Chairperson Ethekon further announced the appointment of 6 Returning and Deputy Returning Officers for purposes of conducting the by-elections, two in each county.

Parties are expected to submit names of their nominated candidates by January 16 and independent candidates must submit their names and symbols by January 2.

"Each political party intending to participate in the by-elections shall submit the names and specimen signatures of the authorized persons on or before Tuesday, 13th January, 2026," the notice read.

The commission added that the should also not have been members of any political party at least three months before the date of the by-elections.

"The Commission shall publish, in the Gazette, the names of the persons contesting in a party primary and the date of the party primary within seven (7) days of receipt of the names of the candidates," read the notice in part.

Campaigning will run from January 22 to February 23, 48 hours before polling day and campaigning time shall run from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. each day during the campaign period.