By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 15 July 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has completed the final verification of ballot papers for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with polling materials dispatched to stations ahead of Thursday's vote in a move aimed at boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
In the final stage of preparations, election officials, candidates, chief agents, security agencies and members of the media witnessed the opening of sealed ballot paper pallets to verify security seals and confirm that serial numbers matched their designated polling stations.
IEBC said the exercise was designed to guarantee transparency before polling begins.
"The Returning Officer, in the presence of candidates, chief agents, security agencies and members of the media, is overseeing the opening of the sealed pallets containing ballot papers," the commission said.
According to the electoral agency, the verification process allows stakeholders to confirm that the security seals remain intact and that ballot papers have been allocated to the correct polling stations.
"This transparent verification process underscores the Commission's commitment to accountability, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process," IEBC said.
With the verification complete, election materials have been distributed to polling officials across Ol Kalou Constituency, where voters will elect a new Member of the National Assembly on Thursday, July 16.
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The commission urged residents to rely on its official communication channels for accurate and verified election updates.
The final preparations come amid heightened security measures announced ahead of the vote.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said more than 1,000 police officers, including personnel from the General Service Unit (GSU), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, have been deployed across the constituency to maintain law and order and respond to any election-related incidents.
The by-election will be closely watched as it marks one of the first electoral tests under the reconstituted IEBC, with both the electoral body and security agencies seeking to reassure voters of a free, fair and peaceful poll.