The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans that all preparations have been finalized for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, promising a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after overseeing the opening and inspection of ballot paper boxes, IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan said election materials had arrived safely and were inspected in the presence of candidates, party agents and election officials. He noted that all stakeholders were satisfied that the ballot papers and other election materials were intact and ready for use.
Commissioner Hassan said the commission had worked closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election, adding that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place across Nyandarua County. He warned that security agencies were fully prepared to deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the voting process or threaten public safety.
He urged the people of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers on Thursday, July 16, and peacefully exercise their democratic right by electing a leader of their choice. He also emphasized that the IEBC remains an independent institution with no affiliation to any political party or candidate.
Another IEBC Commissioner confirmed that polling stations will open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., although all voters who are in the queue by the official closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
The commission also reminded the public that only accredited individuals, including election officials, party agents, observers and journalists with valid accreditation, will be allowed inside polling stations. Ordinary voters must leave the polling station immediately after casting their votes.
IEBC further cautioned voters against taking photographs of their marked ballots, noting that doing so violates Kenya’s electoral laws and undermines the constitutional principle of the secret ballot.
On voter identification, the commission explained that polling officials will use the KIEMS kit, which relies on biometric verification through fingerprints and facial recognition. If fingerprint verification fails, voters will be identified using an alphanumeric search based on their national identification card or passport number. The commission clarified that every eligible voter can still be verified electronically through the KIEMS system.
IEBC also dismissed concerns about the use of a manual register, stating that the KIEMS kits contain the complete register of voters and that backup devices have been deployed to replace any kit that may develop technical problems during polling.
After voting ends, ballot counting will take place openly at polling stations in the presence of party agents, accredited observers and members of the media. The commission said official results forms will be available for verification, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a transparent, credible and verifiable by-election.
