The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has completed the final stage of preparations for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with election materials distributed to polling officials ahead of Thursday's vote.

The by-election will be held on July 16, 2026, when voters in Ol Kalou Constituency, Nyandarua County, will elect their new Member of the National Assembly.

On Wednesday, the commission oversaw the distribution of election materials to officials for dispatch to their respective polling stations across the constituency.

The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Returning Officer and witnessed by candidates, chief agents, security agencies and members of the media.

As part of the process, sealed pallets containing ballot papers were opened to allow stakeholders to verify that the security seals remained intact and that the ballot paper serial numbers matched their designated polling stations.

The commission said the verification exercise was aimed at enhancing transparency before polling day.

"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," IEBC said.

According to the commission, the exercise enables stakeholders "to verify that the security seals remain intact and confirm that the ballot paper serial numbers correspond to their respective polling stations."

IEBC said the process reflects its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible election.

"This transparent verification process underscores the Commission's commitment to accountability, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process," the commission said.

The final preparations come a day after IEBC, and the National Police Service assured residents that elaborate security measures had been put in place to safeguard the electoral process.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said more than 1,000 police officers, including personnel from specialised units, had been deployed across the constituency to maintain law and order during the by-election.

With preparations complete, polling officials are expected to report to their assigned stations before voting begins on Thursday, when residents of Ol Kalou will cast their ballots to choose their representative in the National Assembly. The Star