The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has outlined key requirements that political parties must meet ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
In an update on Friday, September 19, the ORPP said all parties intending to take part in the mini-polls must submit the names of signatories for nomination certificates along with their specimen signatures.
Additionally, each party is required to have a properly constituted Election Management Body and an Internal Dispute Resolution Committee to handle any nomination disputes.
The ORPP further emphasized the need for parties to provide certified membership registers, which will form the basis for determining eligibility of members seeking nominations.
The parties must also submit details of their nomination processes to the ORPP, including venues, dates, methods, and lists of aspiring candidates.
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In addition, political parties are expected to publish nomination particulars both on the ORPP website and on their respective party websites for transparency.
Further, the parties must observe clear timelines and submission procedures in line with requirements set by the ORPP and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Finally, the ORPP reminded parties that they are bound by the Political Parties and Elections Code of Conduct, relevant regulations, and any gazette notices issued during the electoral period.
On November 27, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will conduct 24 by-elections across the country.
The vacant seats include the Baringo Senatorial seat, along with parliamentary positions in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies.
At the ward level, voters will head to the polls in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), and Kariobangi North (Nairobi City).
Other wards with vacancies include Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu).
Elsewhere, IEBC set Monday, September 29, as the date for the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
In a statement on Thursday, August 28, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the exercise is aimed at giving eligible Kenyans an opportunity to register as voters.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wishes to inform the public that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume on Monday, 29th September 2025, in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
"This exercise is a vital step in ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s future through democratic elections. It is particularly directed towards young people who have recently attained 18 years, and all citizens who have not yet registered or need to update their voter information," the statement read.
Ahead of the rollout, Ethekon noted that IEBC has outlined several preparatory activities including mapping registration centres.
The commission will also be training personnel, configuring and testing Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, gazettement of officers, and distribution of materials.
Ethekon stated that registration will be conducted at IEBC constituency offices across the country, except in areas with ongoing by-elections.
Services available include new voter registration, transfer of polling stations, updating of voter details, and inspection of registration status.
On who is eligible to register, IEBC advised that any Kenyan citizen qualifies to register as a voter if they are 18 years or older, possess a valid national ID card or passport, are not registered elsewhere, and have not been convicted of an election offence in the past five years.
For new applicants, they will be required to present their ID or passport, fill out the relevant form, and provide biometric data.
Registered voters will be issued with an acknowledgement slip. The commission clarified that this phase of registration will not cover Kenyans living abroad or those in correctional facilities due to ongoing policy reviews.
Ethekon appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the exercise and register as voters ahead of the elections.
"The Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, especially the youth who have recently attained voting age, to seize this opportunity and take the first step in shaping the future. Registering to vote is not just a constitutional right - it is a powerful act of responsibility.
"Your voice matters. As we look ahead to the General Election on 10th August 2027, let us commit to building a nation where every voice counts. Let’s be the generation that doesn’t sit back - but stands up, shows up, and votes for Kenya," the statement concluded.
