IEBC Invites Observers and Media to Apply for Accreditation

IEBC Invites Observers and Media to Apply for Accreditation Ahead of February By-Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited eligible organisations to apply for accreditation as election observers and media practitioners ahead of the by-elections scheduled for February 26, 2026.

In a public notice issued on Friday, January 9, 2026, the Commission said the accreditation exercise is aimed at promoting transparent, credible, and accountable electoral processes during the upcoming polls.

The by-elections will be held in various electoral areas to fill vacant positions, in accordance with the Constitution and the Elections Act.

Online Applications Only

IEBC stated that all interested organisations must submit their applications exclusively through the IEBC Accreditation Management System (AMS).

“All interested organisations must submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System at https://ams.iebc.or.ke,” the notice reads.

The Commission emphasised that manual or physical applications will not be accepted, reinforcing its transition to fully digital systems.

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm. IEBC warned that incomplete or late submissions will not be considered and advised applicants to ensure they have access to a stable internet connection when applying.

Training, Badges, and No Facilitation

IEBC noted that accredited organisations will undergo training and be issued with official badges to allow access to polling stations and tallying centres.

However, the Commission reiterated that it does not provide any payment, allowances, or facilitation to accredited observers or media practitioners.

For further clarification, applicants were advised to contact IEBC via 020 2877000 or email accreditation@iebc.or.ke.

By-Election Areas and Timelines

The announcement comes weeks after IEBC appointed returning officers and deputy returning officers to oversee the by-elections.

The by-elections will cover:

Member of Parliament seat for Isiolo South Constituency
MCA seats in Muminji and Evurore Wards, Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County
MCA seat for Kabras West Ward, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County

All by-elections will be conducted on the same day, February 26, 2026.

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon formally communicated the appointments and timelines through a gazette notice, outlining key requirements for political parties, independent candidates, and other stakeholders.

The Commission announced that the official campaign period will run from January 22 to February 23, 2026, ending 48 hours before polling day. Campaign activities will be permitted daily between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Political parties and independent candidates are required to submit the names of one Constituency Election Agent and polling station agents to IEBC on or before February 12, 2026.

IEBC confirmed that the by-elections will be conducted using the certified Register of Voters published on June 21, 2022.

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