IEBC Public Hearings on Campaign Spending Rules Kick Off in Kenya

• IEBC launches nationwide public hearings on campaign spending rules ahead of 2027 polls.
• Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, proposes contribution and expenditure ceilings for candidates and political parties.
• Presidential candidates limited to spending no more than Sh4.44 billion during the campaign period, while political parties would be allowed to spend up to Sh17.7 billion.
• Stakeholders' submissions will inform the final regulations ahead of gazettement.

The proposed regulations are intended to strike a balance between promoting fair political competition, enhancing transparency in campaign financing, and creating a level playing field for all candidates.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has initiated nationwide public participation forums on proposed election campaign financing rules and spending limits. The consultations, which began in Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, and Eldoret on Monday, aim to gather input from the public and stakeholders on the Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026. Similar forums will be held in remaining county clusters on Tuesday before the draft regulations are refined and published.

The campaign financing framework is anchored in the Election Campaign Financing Act, which requires the IEBC to prescribe contribution limits, spending ceilings, and authorized campaign expenditure at least 12 months before a general election. The law empowers the IEBC to regulate campaign contributions, financial disclosures, record-keeping, and monitoring of campaign expenditure to promote transparency and accountability.

The proposed regulations are intended to strike a balance between promoting fair political competition, enhancing transparency in campaign financing, and creating a level playing field for all candidates. Stakeholders' submissions will be incorporated into the final draft before the regulations are forwarded for publication.

The gazettement of the final campaign financing regulations will set enforceable limits on campaign spending and contributions ahead of the 2027 polls. Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the gazettment, as it will have significant implications for candidates and political parties. The regulations aim to promote transparency and accountability in campaign financing, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

The IEBC's public participation exercise is critical in refining the proposed rules, which will ultimately inform the final regulations. Stakeholders' input will be instrumental in shaping the framework, which will govern campaign spending and contributions during the 2027 elections.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the gazettement of the final campaign financing regulations, which will set enforceable limits on campaign spending and contributions ahead of the 2027 polls.

Source: Original reporting via IEBC