IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon Speaking after receiving the first shipment of ballot papers and statutory forms for the November 27, 2025 by-elections, on Wednesday November 19, 2025. Photo Facebook Courtesy. 
By Ryan Mumo
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received the first shipment of ballot papers and statutory forms for the November 27, 2025 by-elections, marking what Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has described as “a significant step forward in our logistical preparations.”
Speaking after receiving the consignment on Wednesday evening, Mr. Ethekon confirmed that the initial batch comprised 10 pallets of essential election materials. He added that the remaining 29 pallets are scheduled to arrive this evening at 7:30 pm, after which the Commission will begin full-scale deployment to all affected constituencies and wards.
“We are on schedule and fully prepared. The arrival of the first batch sets the pace for the rest of our operational timelines,” said Ethekon.
The Chairperson announced that the dispatch of ballot papers and other election materials will officially begin on Friday, November 21, 2025. He further revealed that materials destined for remote and security-sensitive areas—including Banisa and Mandera—will be airlifted.
“Airlifting ensures timely and secure delivery, especially to far-flung regions where road transport may pose delays or risks,” he noted.
In a bid to promote transparency, the Commission invited all 51 political parties participating in the by-elections to witness the arrival and verification of the ballot papers. According to Ethekon, this step reflects IEBC’s deliberate effort to guarantee openness at every phase of the process.
“Transparency is central to our mandate. We want every stakeholder to see, first-hand, how the Commission handles election materials,” he said.
The ballot papers were printed by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece, at a cost of KSh 27 million, a procurement the Commission says meets international standards for quality, security features, and integrity.
Reaffirming the Commission’s preparedness, Ethekon assured the country that IEBC remains firmly committed to delivering a credible election.
“Kenyans can rest assured that the Commission is fully focused on ensuring the by-elections are free, fair, and credible,” he stated.
The November 27 by-elections will take place across several constituencies and wards where seats fell vacant following various legal and administrative triggers.
