The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, HSC and Members of the Commission today met gazetted Returning Officers and staff involved in planning and conducting the 24 by-elections across the country.
The planning meeting is looking at the operations and logistics requirements to conduct by-elections including 1 Senatorial, 6 Member of National Assembly, and 17 Member of County Assembly on 27th November 2025.
“As Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) plans for these by-elections, know that the expectations are high and scrutiny will be intense and you should rise to the occasion. The country is anxious and keen to evaluate the kind of Commission in place under my leadership. I believe in this Secretariat staff and will work with them to deliver the sovereign will of Kenyans. As Chairperson I’m not only here to provide leadership, but to be led by you to conduct these by-elections. I expect collegiality, mutual respect and collective responsibility from all of us,” said Ethekon.
The Chairperson urged Returning Officers to remain focused and adhere to the rule of law.
“Time and again you have displayed high mastery of your job. I have no doubt in your professionalism and credibility to deliver on this exercise. This team led by Returning Officers in each of the 24 by-election has been vetted and found to be trustworthy and can go beyond the normal call of duty to deliver the results. Let Kenyans feel the values of integrity, impartiality and transparency when we deliver these by-elections, which are competitive. Show your integrity, be professional, do the right thing and stand up for what is right,” said Ethekon.
The Chairperson observed that Kenyans were asking IEBC to improve on the duration of time in results transmission, enhance information sharing and communication.
He urged staff to engage all stakeholders, inform and educate them on Commission processes and timelines.
Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit urged the Returning Officers and their teams to do proper planning and assured them of the Commission’s support.
“We have faith in our staff because you have the experience. You can only perfect it. Planning is everything, if we get it right we will deliver the results,” said Sorobit.
Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, MBS noted that the by-elections matter deeply to Kenyans and scrutiny of the processes will be intense.
“For voters it is a democratic right, for the Commission it provides a platform to prove its credibility and dependability. Priorities are clear including logistic readiness, staff training, effective stakeholder engagements, security coordination and accurate results management. Each of you carry a responsibility that will define the credibility of the Commission. This is an opportunity to show we are not only ready for the 24 by-elections in November but also the 2027 General Election,” said Marjan.
