IEBC commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, with other officials/IEBC The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has begun dispatching ballot papers and statutory forms to 20 electoral areas in preparation for the November 27 by-elections.
The move marks a key step in the commission’s logistical planning ahead of the polls, touted by some as the battle field for parties to weigh their capabilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The materials were flagged off in Nairobi on Friday morning by Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, who said the commission had completed arrangements to facilitate a smooth and transparent electoral process.
The by-elections will take place in constituencies and wards where seats became vacant due to resignations, court rulings, or the deaths of the incumbents.
Commissioner Hassan confirmed that ballot papers for most regions had already left the IEBC warehouse in Nairobi.
He noted that two areas in Turkana county—Turkana North Constituency (Lake Zone County Assembly Ward) and Turkana West Constituency (Naanam County Assembly Ward)—would receive their materials by air on Saturday, citing logistical considerations and the remoteness of the regions.
“The Commission has finalised plans to dispatch election materials to all areas. The safety of the electoral materials is secured from the IEBC warehouse in Nairobi to the respective regions. Our teams will receive the election materials and place them in safe custody,” he said.
According to the commission, returning officers in all affected areas are on standby to receive the ballot papers and related documents, which will be stored under strict security until distribution to polling centres on Wednesday, the day before voting.
“The ballot papers and statutory forms will be opened and distributed on Wednesday, one day before election day,” Commissioner Hassan said, adding that all procedures are being followed according to established electoral protocols.
He called on candidates, political parties, and supporters to maintain peace, respect the law, and uphold the integrity of the electoral process during the remaining campaign period.
He also encouraged voters to participate in large numbers on November 27 and exercise their democratic right through the secret ballot.
“As we move closer to election day, we appeal for calm and non-violence. Let the will of the people prevail,” he said.
The by-elections come amid increased public scrutiny of the commission following recent political disputes and court challenges related to electoral management.
The IEBC hopes that a well-organised process will strengthen public confidence in its ability to conduct credible elections.
Security agencies have been briefed on deployment plans to ensure the safe transportation of materials and orderly voting in all 20 electoral areas. Officials expect preparations to be fully in place before the close of the weekend.
