The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has opened the accreditation process for election observers and media practitioners ahead of the by-elections set for February 26, 2026, as preparations for the polls move into a critical phase.
In a public notice dated Friday, January 9, 2026, the commission said the exercise is intended to support open, credible and accountable electoral processes during the upcoming by-elections, which will be held to fill vacant elective positions in line with the Constitution and the Elections Act.
IEBC said only eligible organisations will be considered and that all applications must be submitted through its online platform.
“All interested organisations must submit their applications through the IEBC Accreditation Management System at https://ams.iebc.or.ke,” reads the notice.
The commission made it clear that physical or manual submissions will not be accepted, noting that the online system is the only channel available for the exercise.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5.00 pm, after which the system will be closed.
IEBC warned applicants to ensure they have a stable internet connection when uploading their details, adding that incomplete or late submissions will not be processed.
“The commission will conduct training and issue badges to accredited organisations to enable access to polling stations and tallying centres,” it further notes.
The electoral agency also reminded applicants that accreditation does not come with any financial benefit.
In the notice, IEBC reiterated that it does not offer any form of payment, allowance or facilitation to accredited observers or media practitioners.
Organisations seeking clarification were advised to contact the commission through its official telephone line on 020 2877000 or by email at [email protected].
The announcement comes weeks after IEBC appointed returning officers and deputy returning officers to manage the by-elections.
The by-elections will include the Member of Parliament seat for Isiolo South constituency, as well as Member of County Assembly positions in Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North constituency, Embu County.
Another MCA by-election will be held in Kabras West Ward in Malava constituency, Kakamega County, with all the polls scheduled to take place on the same day.
The appointments of election officials were communicated through a gazette notice issued by IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon.
In the same notice, Ethekon outlined key timelines and requirements for political parties, independent candidates and other stakeholders taking part in the by-elections.
IEBC said the official campaign period will run from January 22, 2026, to February 23, 2026, ending 48 hours before polling day.
Campaign activities will be allowed daily between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm throughout the campaign period.
As part of the preparations for voting day, political parties and independent candidates will be required to appoint one Constituency Election Agent and polling station agents and submit their details to the commission on or before February 12, 2026.
The commission confirmed that the by-elections will be conducted using the certified Register of Voters published on June 21, 2022.
