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Midday figures released by the agency showed that by 1.00 p.m., voter participation across the four by-election locations had reached 45.74 per cent of the registered voters.
The Commission anticipates registering 28.63 million voters, including 6.3 million new entrants identified from the National Population Register, across 55,393 polling stations, an increase of 9,169 stations from the 46,229 used in the 2022 elections.
Voting will be conducted using biometric verification through KIEMS kits, with polling stations operating from 6 am to 5 pm Any time lost due to delays in opening will be compensated, and voters in line at closing will still be allowed to cast their votes.
The elected leadership includes President Kanjama Charles and Vice-President Nicholas Teresia Wavinya. Council members are K’opere Tom Oduo, Eyase Vivienne Mugwari, Wanjohi Wambugu, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, Mutua Faith Jappann, M’Edeal Mutua Faith, Omollo Hezekiah Aseso, and Oyoko Sharon Adhiambo.
Kanjama said returns from polling centres across the country showed that members had entrusted him with the mandate to lead the society for the next two years.
A former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), he steps down to assume his role in the appellate court. The transition is being conducted in accordance with the law and the Board will now be chaired by vice chairperson Ann Wanjiku.
LSK outlined the areas where the society intends to play an active role, focusing on legal reforms to close recurring gaps in electoral law.
In a press release issued in Nairobi on February 16, 2026, the Commission said it “notes with concern recent statements by Democratic Party (DP) regarding IEBC's engagement with National Registration Bureau in relation to voter registration data and identity verification.”
Karua cast doubt on the integrity of the process, saying the decision to appoint an acting CEO from outside the existing deputy structure was difficult to justify, given the temporary nature of the role.
Sunkuli, who currently serves as the Commission’s Director of Electoral Operations, steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.
IEBC aims to register 6.3 million new voters, including those who have recently turned 18 and individuals who have not yet registered, while also assisting those who wish to transfer their registration to new polling stations.
Ethekon said the commission’s work is firmly guided by the Constitution, which he described as the highest expression of the will of the Kenyan people.