The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan has sounded a warning about voter apathy and recurring logistical setbacks that hinder electoral processes.
He called upon all electoral actors to form coordinated efforts to address these challenges and sustain public confidence in the democratic process.
Speaking on Monday December 8, at a stakeholder’s meeting held in a hotel in Nairobi to reflect on the recent by-elections carried out across the country, Marjan said that the recent elections clearly showed that the electoral commission must continuously adapt to emerging issues.
“Voter apathy, logistical challenges, misinformation and isolated security incidents remind us that electoral management is a continuous learning process”, Marjan said, noting that addressing the issues requires robust strategies, strong collaboration between stakeholders and proactive communication to ensure all Kenyans get a credible and safe voting experience.
During the meeting, the stakeholders reviewed the by-elections carried out on November 27th 2025 which covered 22 electoral areas across several counties and wards.
They included Baringo, Kasipul, Mbeere North, Banissa, Ugunja, Malava, Magarini, Kariobangi North, Fafi, Lake Zone, and Narok Town. However Tembelio and Metkei wards did not hold any by-elections after their candidates were declared unopposed.
According to Marjan, the by-elections offered a broad assessment of IEBC’s operational preparedness, use of technology and public engagement. He noted that the commission’s operational teams ensured that all polling stations were staffed adequately with election materials arrving in time.
As for the KIEMS kits, Marjan stated that they enabled efficient voter identification and results with the help of a responsive troubleshooting network.
He recognized the efforts of 173 observer organizations, hundreds of journalists and thousands of voter educators who played the roles of guiding and informing voters.
The IEBC however reported isolated incidents in some areas including Kasipul, Mbeere North, Malava, Kabuchai, Narok Town, Banissa, Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Fafi. The reported cases included assaults on officials, voter bribery, destruction of election materials, impersonation and interference by organized groups.
Marjan reaffirmed that the electoral commission remains committed to operational excellence, transparency and safeguarding electoral integrity.
“Together, we can continue building an electoral environment where every Kenyan is empowered, every election is credible and democracy thrives”, he concluded
