The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has invited Kenyans to submit memoranda on draft regulations governing campaign financing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a public notice dated July 6, the electoral agency announced that it is seeking views on draft regulations covering campaign contributions, spending limits, authorized expenditures, disclosures, monitoring, and record-keeping.
Additionally, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon noted that the proposed regulations aim to strengthen accountability in the management of campaign funds by candidates and political parties.
According to the commission, the Constitution of Kenya under Article 88(4)(i) mandates the IEBC to regulate the amount of finances spent by or on behalf of a candidate or political party during elections.
“The Election Campaign Financing Act provides for the regulation, management, expenditure, and accountability of campaign funds, with candidates and parties self-regulating under IEBC oversight,” part of the notice from the election commission read.
IEBC Financial Regulations
The IEBC explained that Section 29 of the Election Campaign Financing Act empowers the commission to issue regulations on expenditure rules and financial regulations during the campaign and election period.
Further, the commission, citing Sections 12, 18, and 19 of the Act, argued that the commission is required to prescribe campaign contributions and authorized expenditures through a Gazette notice at least 12 months before a General Election.
The commission further revealed that it has already developed draft regulations, contributions guidelines, authorized expenditures, and spending limits for public consideration as part of preparations for the 2027 polls.
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Public Participation Process
The electoral body has called upon the members of the public, and all the relevant stakeholders and political parties, to review the proposed financial regulations and submit their views and recommendations.
All submissions of public views and recommendations regarding the IEBC draft regulations should be made by the July 15, 2026 deadline, according to the commission.
According to the notice, the draft regulations, authorized expenditures, and spending limits are available on the commission’s website at www.iebc.or.ke.
Memoranda can be submitted via email to [email protected]; alternatively, the memoranda can be delivered to the Customer Care Center at Anniversary Towers, Nairobi, or to any other IEBC office.
Additionally, the commission has maintained that public input will help shape a framework that promotes fair competition among candidates while enhancing transparency in campaign financing.
Also Read: IEBC Sets Crucial Dates for Candidates and Parties Ahead of 2027 General Election
Election Campaign Financing Act
The Election Campaign Financing Act was enacted in 2013 to regulate campaign funds during elections and referenda and allow the election commission to set financial limits.
In August 2016, the IEBC published, in a Gazette Notice, campaign spending limits for the 2017 General Election, capping expenditure for presidential, gubernatorial, parliamentary, and county assembly candidates, as well as political parties.
The regulations capped presidential candidates’ expenditure at KSh 5.2 billion and political parties’ spending at KSh 15.03 billion.
In addition, the commission limited donations from a single source to a political party to 20 percent of the party’s total contribution limit, which translated to approximately KSh 3.006 billion.
According to the Act, the maximum campaign expenditure limit was set at KSh 432 million for governors, senators, and women representative candidates.
For parliamentary elections, the commission capped spending at up to KSh 33 million in constituencies with the highest voter populations, while lower limits applied in constituencies with fewer registered voters.
Meanwhile, candidates vying for county assembly seats were allowed to spend up to KSh 10.3 million in wards with the largest voter populations, with spending ceilings varying by ward population.
However, in January 2017, Parliament amended the Election Campaign Financing Act and suspended its operation until after the 2017 General Election.
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