The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released the requirements and qualifications for candidates in the November 27, 2025, by-elections, which will cover 24 seats nationwide.
The Commission said that aspirants should meet citizenship requirements, pay nomination fees, and, for independent candidates, submit lists of supporters with copies of their identity cards.
“Candidates must be Kenyan citizens by birth and have been citizens for at least 10 years before the election. Those holding dual citizenship will be required to renounce it before taking the oath of office,” IEBC said.
According to the guidelines by IEBC, nomination fees will depend on the seat and candidate category.
It added that women, youth, and persons with disabilities will pay Ksh10,000 when seeking County Assembly seats, while others will pay Ksh 20,000.
For parliamentary aspirants, the fee to be paid is Ksh2,500 for the marginalized groups and Sh5,000 for others.
The commission stated that the senate candidates will pay Ksh25,000 for marginalized groups and Ksh50,000 for others.
Independent candidates will also need to show strong grassroots support, while those who will seek the National Assembly seats must provide a list of at least 1,000 supporters.
According to the commission, MCA aspirants must have 500 supporters, while the Senate aspirants must present 2,000 supporters.
The Commission added that independent candidates must not have been members of a political party within three months before the by-election.
In addition, all candidates will have to submit a self-declaration form from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The Commission added that independent candidates must not have been members of a political party within three months before the by-election.
The first set of 16 vacant ward positions was gazetted on August 8, and includes Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Kisa East in Kakamega, and Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Subsequently, a second set of vacant seats will be gazetted on August 11, which includes the Baringo Senate seat, six National Assembly constituencies - Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja—as well as the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County.
