The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair, Erastus Ethekon, at a past press briefing/HANDOUTThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited applications from organisations seeking accreditation of short-term election observers and media practitioners ahead of the Migwani County Assembly Ward by-election in Kitui County.
The by-election is scheduled for November 17, 2026, in Mwingi West Constituency, with the electoral agency opening the accreditation process to organisations intending to deploy observers and journalists to cover the exercise.
In a public notice, the IEBC said interested organisations must submit their applications through its Accreditation Management System (AMS).
“The IEBC invites applications from organisations wishing to be accredited as Short-Term Election Observers and Media Practitioners for the Migwani County Assembly Ward, Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County by-election to be held on 17th November 2026,” the commission said.
The electoral agency set October 30, 2026, at 5 pm as the deadline for submitting applications.
The IEBC urged applicants to ensure they have access to a stable and reliable internet connection when submitting their details through the online accreditation platform.
The accreditation process will allow eligible organisations to have their personnel formally recognised to observe or cover various aspects of the by-election in accordance with electoral regulations.
The commission, however, clarified that accreditation does not come with financial support from the electoral agency.
“IEBC does not pay observers and media practitioners,” the commission said in the notice.
The Migwani Ward by-election will be held to fill the vacant County Assembly seat, with political parties and candidates expected to intensify their campaigns ahead of the November poll.
The IEBC has been preparing for a series of by-elections as it continues its preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Organisations seeking further information on the accreditation process have been directed to contact the commission through its offices.
The commission said applications received after the October 30 deadline would not meet the stated accreditation timeline.
