The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a series of key timelines that political parties, independent candidates, and electoral stakeholders must adhere to ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 24, IEBC Commissioner and Chairperson of the Election Operations Committee, Ann Nderitu, confirmed that the next General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2027, while directing public officers seeking elective positions to resign from their offices by February 9, 2027.
She added that the resignation deadline complies with the legal requirement that public officers intending to vie in the General Election leave office at least six months before polling day.
“Critical timelines include the election of the President of the Republic of Kenya, which shall be held on Tuesday, 10th August, 2027. A public officer who intends to contest in the General Election shall resign from public office within six (6) months before the date of the election, being on or before Tuesday, 9th February, 2027,” she said.
IEBC Unveils Key Timelines for 2027 General Election
Additionally, political parties will be required to submit their membership lists to the Commission by March 16, 2027.
Parties intending to field candidates in the General Election must also submit the names of aspirants seeking nomination through party primaries, together with the dates and venues of the primaries, by the same deadline.
According to the Commission, political parties must conduct their primaries and conclude all intra-party dispute resolution processes by May 9, 2027.
The IEBC further directed that individuals seeking to contest as independent candidates must have ceased being members of any registered political party by May 9, 2027, at least three months before the General Election.
Independent candidates are also required to submit their names and proposed election symbols to the Commission by the same date.
The nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027.
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Candidates will be expected to present their nomination papers to the IEBC Chairperson at designated venues between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The Commission stated that disputes arising from nominations must be filed no later than June 12, 2027, and will be determined within 10 days of being lodged.
IEBC also announced that the official campaign period for the August 10, 2027 General Election will begin on May 29, 2027, and end on August 7, 2027, 48 hours before polling day.
The timelines are expected to guide political parties, candidates and electoral agencies in preparations for the country’s next General Election.
Also Read: IEBC Clarifies Why Some Pre-2012 Voters Must Register Again
Launch of Strategic Plan
The timelines were unveiled during the launch of the IEBC’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and the Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025–2027, key documents designed to guide preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The EOP serves as the Commission’s operational blueprint for the election, outlining the activities, timelines, and resources required to plan, coordinate, implement, and monitor the electoral process. Anchored in the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029, the framework is intended to ensure the efficient and credible delivery of the 2027 polls.
According to the Commission, the plan seeks to facilitate the timely execution of critical electoral activities, strengthen transparency and accountability, ensure compliance with Kenya’s electoral laws, promote stakeholder participation and public engagement, and enhance the institution’s capacity to manage electoral challenges.
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