The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) held its concluding national stakeholder forum on July 30, 2026, in Nairobi to gather final input on the proposed campaign financing regulations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon described the forum as a key milestone in fulfilling constitutional mandates on election campaign financing. He emphasized the importance of creating a regulatory framework that is practical, inclusive, and reflective of the views of political parties and candidates who will be directly affected.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Regulations
- Establishment of rules for raising, managing, and accounting for campaign funds.
- Appointment and registration of authorised persons responsible for campaign finances.
- Reporting requirements for contributions and donations.
- Regulation of campaign expenditure with defined spending limits.
- Auditing procedures and mechanisms for compliance enforcement and dispute resolution.
The commission highlighted that the proposed spending limits aim to promote transparency, fairness, and a level playing field during elections, ensuring outcomes reflect voter choice rather than financial power.
Ethekon noted that under Article 88(4)(i) of the Constitution, IEBC is mandated to regulate campaign spending, a responsibility pursued since the Election Campaign Financing Act of 2013 came into effect.
Open Consultation and Next Steps
The IEBC assured stakeholders that no final decisions have been made and that all feedback from political parties, candidates, and other participants will be carefully considered before finalising the regulations.
"We are here to listen and engage in good faith to develop a framework that is constitutionally sound, practical, and responsive," Ethekon said, underscoring the commission’s commitment to an inclusive democratic process.
