When polling stations close—normally at 5pm unless voters are still in the queue—the voting phase ends, but one of the most important stages of the electoral process begins.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) follows a clear, transparent, and verifiable chain of steps to ensure every ballot is counted, secured, and accurately transmitted. All procedures take place in full view of agents, observers, and accredited media.
IEBC emphasizes that only accredited individuals wearing official identification are allowed inside tallying areas. Senior political leaders who wish to observe the process are urged to respect tallying centre protocols and avoid any actions that may disrupt or delay the announcement of results.
IEBC conducted by-elections today in 22 electoral areas across the country. Here is what happens immediately after voting ends:
1. Closing and Sealing of Ballot Boxes
Once the final voter casts their ballot, the Presiding Officer formally announces the close of voting. Ballot boxes are sealed in the presence of agents and observers, with each seal’s unique serial number recorded on official forms to prevent tampering. The boxes remain sealed until counting begins.
2. Preparation for Counting
Polling officials reorganize the station for tallying. The area is cleared, ballots are arranged, agents are positioned, and the counting table is displayed openly. Counting starts immediately after the close of voting.
3. Sorting and Counting of Ballots
Ballot boxes are opened one at a time. Officials sort ballots by candidate or option, displaying each ballot to agents and observers before placing it in the appropriate pile.
Disputed ballots are reviewed and determined by the Presiding Officer according to IEBC regulations.
After sorting, votes are counted aloud to ensure full transparency.
4. Recording Results on Form 35A
When counting concludes, the results are entered into Form 35A—the official polling station results form.
The form is signed by the Presiding Officer and polling agents. Agents may decline to sign, and their reasons are recorded.
The completed form is stamped, announced publicly, posted at the polling station entrance, and copies issued to agents. Agents are also allowed to take photographs of the official form.
This guarantees transparency and public access to verified results.
5. Electronic Transmission of Results
After completing the physical form, the Presiding Officer photographs Form 35A using the KIEMS kit and transmits it electronically to both the constituency tallying centre and the National Tallying Centre.
The transmission contains:
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a scanned image of Form 35A
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the results data
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the polling station’s identification details
This ensures results are securely captured before physical documents are transported.
Election results are also accessible to the public through the Commission’s online results portal.
6. Transporting Ballots and Forms
Ballot boxes and the original Form 35A are then transported under security escort to the constituency tallying centre. The entire movement is supervised to prevent any interference.
7. Constituency Tallying
At the tallying centre, officials verify results from all polling stations, cross-check forms against electronically transmitted data, and compile the final constituency tally.
The Returning Officer then declares the winners for the constituency-level positions such as Member of Parliament. Results for other categories, such as the presidential vote, continue to the national level.
8. Handling of Disputes
Candidates who are dissatisfied with the results may file complaints through IEBC’s internal dispute mechanisms for administrative matters or petition the courts for electoral challenges.
READ MORE
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What Happens After Polls Close in Kenya? IEBC Full Procedure Explained
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IEBC’s Post-Voting Process: What Really Happens After 5PM
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After Voting Ends: Step-By-Step Breakdown of IEBC’s Tallying Process
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Inside Kenya’s Post-Election Process — IEBC Timeline Explained
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Here’s What Happens Immediately After Voting Ends in Kenya
