The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) convened a national public participation forum on Thursday at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi to discuss the Draft Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, including proposed limits on campaign contributions and spending.

Chaired by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon with Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat and other commissioners in attendance, the forum is part of a series of regional engagements launched earlier this week. These consultations aim to gather input from the public and stakeholders to develop a transparent and inclusive framework for campaign financing ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Regional Engagements Across Kenya

In addition to Nairobi, the IEBC has held forums in Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, Eldoret, Nyeri, Machakos, Nakuru, Isiolo, and Kakamega. During the Machakos meeting, Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana emphasized that the proposed regulations are intended to foster fairness, transparency, and accountability, ensuring a level playing field for all electoral contestants.

Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, speaking at the Nakuru session, highlighted that the spending and contribution caps are meant to ensure election results reflect the electorate’s will rather than financial influence.

Promoting Electoral Integrity

The IEBC underlined its commitment to creating a campaign financing framework that is practical, constitutionally sound, and tailored to Kenya’s electoral context. The commission encourages citizens to submit their views on various aspects of campaign finance management, including reporting, disclosure, auditing, compliance, and enforcement.

Stakeholders from both state and non-state sectors have been urged to support initiatives that bolster public confidence and uphold the integrity of elections.

Significance of Campaign Finance Regulations

  • Prevent dominance of wealthy candidates over less-funded competitors
  • Reduce risks of illicit or anonymous funding influencing elections
  • Limit corruption by curbing incentives for elected officials to misuse public resources
  • Enhance transparency through mandatory disclosure of campaign funding and expenditures
  • Strengthen public trust in the electoral process and outcomes

These measures are viewed as essential safeguards to maintain credible and fair elections in Kenya.