IEBC steps up preparations for Migwani Ward MCA Poll

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified preparations for the upcoming Migwani Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election, set to be held on November 17, 2026. On October 5, the commission convened a planning meeting to bolster readiness and harmonize operational strategies for the electoral process.

The meeting also aimed to draw insights from past by-elections to ensure a smooth electoral exercise. Acting Director in charge of Electoral Operations Adan Harar Noor emphasized the importance of meticulous planning, continuous learning, teamwork, and professionalism to guarantee a credible election outcome. The commission's focus will encompass reviewing crucial activities and timelines, scrutinizing budgets and operational procedures, identifying emerging challenges, and devising mitigation strategies to minimize their impact on the poll.

This planning meeting is crucial to guarantee that every facet of the election is meticulously coordinated prior to the voting day. The IEBC remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible by-election in Migwani Ward. The preparations for the election coincide with the commission's recent opening of accreditation for election observers and media practitioners, which was announced on September 30, 2026.

The application deadline for accreditation is set for October 30, 2026, at 5 PM, with submissions to be made through the IEBC Accreditation Management System. It's important to note that the commission will not compensate accredited observers or media practitioners for their participation. The Migwani Ward MCA position became vacant upon the appointment of Harrison Maluki Mawia as the Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly, following his election on August 6, 2026.

Consequently, the Kitui County Assembly declared the seat vacant, prompting IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon to officially announce November 17, 2026, as the date for the by-election. The nomination of candidates is expected to occur on October 21 and 22, 2026, with the campaign period commencing on October 21, 2026, and concluding on November 14, 2026.

The by-election is scheduled to fill the ward representative position for the remainder of the current county assembly term, and will be conducted independently from the 2027 General Election.