According to the law, a candidate for president will be declared duly elected if he or she garners 50 plus one of the total votes cast and at least 25 per cent of the votes in half of the 47 Counties. If no candidate achieves this, a run off pitting the first and second candidates will be held.
On Friday, the government announced a transition timetable that set out a clear path leading to a formal handover to the new president.
In case of a dispute in the presidential poll, a petition filed in court will be heard and determined paving way for the swearing in on April 16.
In the event of a second round of voting, the president-elect will take the oath of office on April 30.
Fresh election
However, if the president-elect dies before assuming office, the deputy president will be sworn in as president. A fresh election will be held within 60 days.
The Head of the Civil Service Francis Kimemia said President Kibaki will remain in office until a new president is sworn in.
Mr Kimemia said that all other elected leaders will be sworn in immediately. He was speaking during a breakfast meeting at the Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Friday.
He restated that the eight presidential candidates and their running mates will be accorded State security as the clock ticks to the March 4 General Election.
The eight president candidates vying to succeed President Kibaki include: Prime Minister Raila Odinga (Cord), Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee) and Musalia Mudavadi (Amani).
Also in the race are: Martha Karua (Narc Kenya), Peter Kenneth (Eagle), James ole Kiyiapi (RBK), Paul Muite (Safina) and Mohamed Abduda Dida (ARK).
Their respective running mates are: Kalonzo Musyoka (Cord), William Ruto (Jubilee), Jeremiah Kioni (Amani), Augustine Lotodo (Narc Kenya), Ronnie Osumba (Eagle), Winnie Kaburu Kinyua (RBK), Shem Ochuodho (Safina) and Joshua Odongo Onono (ARK). - Daily Nation
