The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has published the key dates for the 2027 General Election, setting out deadlines for political parties, candidates and public officers.
According to a Gazette Notice published on August 20, the IEBC set Tuesday, August 10, 2027, as the date for the General Election.
“An election of the President of the Republic of Kenya shall be held on Tuesday, 10th August, 2027,” read part of the statement.
IEBC Releases Key Dates for 2027 General Election
Political parties must submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorized persons by October 15, 2026.
The Registrar of Political Parties must certify their nomination rules by October 30, and parties must submit the certified rules to IEBC by November 6.
Candidates who participate directly or indirectly in public fundraising or harambees after December 9, 2026, may face disqualification from contesting, subject to the applicable legal provisions.
Public officers intending to contest for elective positions must resign from office by February 10, 2027.
Political parties must have their membership lists certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by March 23, 2027, and submit the certified lists to IEBC by April 12. Parties must also submit the names, dates and venues of persons contesting in their primaries by April 8, after which IEBC will publish the details in the Gazette by April 16.
Party primaries and the resolution of intra-party disputes must be completed by May 8, 2027. On the same date, independent candidates must have ceased membership of registered political parties and submit their names and symbols to IEBC.
IEBC will publish the names and symbols of intended independent candidates in the Gazette by May 14.
Also Read: IEBC Responds to Proposed Law to End Live Streaming of Election Results Next Year
Other Critical Dates
By May 24, presidential candidates must submit lists showing at least 2,000 registered voters from a majority of counties who support their candidature.
The formal nomination period will run from May 29 to June 11, depending on the elective position.
Presidential nominations will run throughout the period, while National Assembly nominations will take place from May 29 to June 1.
Senate nominations will run from May 29 to June 2, governor nominations from June 3 to June 6, County Assembly nominations from June 2 to June 11, and County Woman Member nominations from June 7 to June 11.
Candidates and parties must lodge disputes arising from the nomination process by June 12, while IEBC must conclude the nomination dispute hearings by June 23.
Also Read: IEBC Unveils Presidential Spending Limit Ahead of 2027 General Election
Political parties contesting parliamentary and county assembly seats must submit their party lists to IEBC by June 25. Parties and candidates must also submit the names of their national and constituency chief election agents by July 27.
Campaigns will end on August 7, 2027, 48 hours before polling day. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2027.
After the election, parties, party candidates, and independent candidates must submit their final campaign expenditure reports by November 22, 2027, while reports on action taken regarding surplus campaign funds are due by November 8.
Campaigns for presidential, National Assembly, and Senate candidates will begin on May 29, while County Assembly campaigns will start on June 2, governor campaigns on June 3, and County Woman Member campaigns on June 7.
Campaign activities will be permitted between 7 am and 6 pm during the applicable campaign period.
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