The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has opened a public consultation on proposed regulations to govern the raising and use of campaign funds ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
On July 27, the commission held forums in Nyeri and Machakos counties where stakeholders discussed measures aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in political financing.
Objectives of the Proposed Regulations
- Level the political playing field by preventing financial muscle from dominating leadership contests.
- Protect candidates who lack substantial financial resources from being sidelined.
- Introduce legal frameworks where none currently exist to regulate campaign funding.
Obadiah Keitany, IEBC’s Deputy CEO in charge of Supporting Services, highlighted the absence of existing laws on campaign financing as a key reason for the new rules. Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana emphasized that without such laws, candidates with deep pockets tend to overshadow those with better ideas but fewer funds.
Public Concerns Raised
- Some participants urged IEBC to first enforce existing electoral laws, citing issues like voter bribery and misuse of public resources during recent by-elections.
- Concerns were raised that the draft regulations only cover financing during the official campaign period, leaving pre-campaign spending unregulated.
- Civil society activists warned that spending caps might disadvantage less wealthy candidates, potentially skewing competition.
Despite these concerns, the IEBC reaffirmed its capacity to conduct free and credible elections, referencing its management of 32 recent by-elections with minimal legal challenges.
The commission plans to incorporate public feedback before finalizing the campaign finance regulations that will govern the 2027 elections.
