IEBC publishes candidates’ requirements and qualifications ahead of November by-elections
By Aloys Michael, September 1, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released an official checklist spelling out who qualifies to run and what they must file before the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
In a public notice on Monday, September 1, 2025, titled “Highlights of Candidate’s Requirements and Qualifications,” the Commission stresses that supporters must be registered voters in the respective electoral area.
According to the IEBC graphic, all aspirants must be Kenyan citizens.
“For at least 10 years before the election, and they must be registered voters. Holders of dual citizenship must renounce the dual citizenship before taking the Oath of Office,” the notice read.
The Commission adds that integrity vetting remains mandatory, listing the self-declaration form from EACC among documents to be filed by every candidate.
Independent candidates: timelines and supporter lists
The IEBC reminds prospective independents that “An Independent Candidate shall not have been a member of any political party at least three (3) months immediately before the date of the by-elections.” In addition to that cooling-off period, independents must submit supporter lists (with ID copies) as follows Member of the National Assembly: “List of 1,000 supporters accompanied by copies of their identity cards.”
“Member of County Assembly (MCA): List of 500 supporters accompanied by copies of their identity cards and Senate: List of 2,000 supporters accompanied by copies of their identity cards,” IEBC said.
The Commission underlines that every supporter must be a registered voter in the relevant constituency, ward or county.
Nomination fees and education
The notice confirms there is no academic threshold for these races, stating educational requirements. Nomination fees are tiered by seat and discounted for women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“National Assembly: Women/Youth/PWDs Ksh10,000; Others Ksh20,000. County Assembly: Women/Youth/PWDs Ksh2,500; Others Ksh5,000. Senate: Women/Youth/PWDs Ksh25,000; Others Ksh50,000,” the notice read.
The electoral body’s notice also points candidates and voters to Gazette Notices for the full legal particulars and timelines.
With campaigns ramping up toward the November 27, 2025, mini-polls, the IEBC’s checklist offers clarity that can help aspirants avoid last-minute rejections.
It also signals tougher documentation for independents, who must prove both non-party status within the last three months and supply verified supporter lists.