Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki may hand power over to a new president as early as March 26th, according to a transition timetable released on Friday (February 1st) by the Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia.

The transition would only happen that quickly if a winner emerges in the first round of voting in the March 4th elections. To do so, a candidate must garner at least 51% of the total votes cast and at least 25% of the votes in at least half of Kenya's 47 counties, Kenya's Daily Nation reported.

In the event of a dispute following a first round victory, the court will hear the complaint, pushing back the swearing-in to April 16th.

If no clear winner emerges after one round of voting, a run-off will be held, with the swearing-in scheduled for April 30th.

All eight presidential candidates will be furnished with state security in advance of next month's elections, said Kimemia, adding that all other elected leaders will be sworn in immediately.