The electoral commission says the proposed regulations will promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for candidates regardless of their financial strength.
By Joel Esabu | Imani Media News
July 29, 2026
IEBC OFFICIALS
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a public participation exercise to collect views on proposed campaign financing regulations that will guide political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission held stakeholder forums in Nyeri and Machakos on Tuesday, bringing together political leaders, civil society organizations and members of the public to discuss the draft regulations.
According to the IEBC, the proposed framework seeks to regulate the raising and use of campaign funds to ensure elections are driven by leadership, policies and ideas rather than financial influence.
“Currently, there are no laws covering the financing and raising of funds for campaigns, and that is why we are here,” said Obadiah Keitany, the IEBC Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Supporting Services.
IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the proposed regulations are intended to create a level playing field by preventing wealthy candidates from enjoying an unfair advantage.
“Without laws regulating campaign finances, those with deep pockets will dominate the political space, while capable leaders with good ideas but limited resources will be disadvantaged,” Mukhwana said.
The commissioner also defended the commission’s record in conducting elections, pointing to the successful management of recent by-elections.
“Since we assumed office, we have conducted 32 by-elections. Only two—Malava and Mbeere North—were challenged in court, and both petitions were dismissed after the courts upheld IEBC’s conduct of the elections,” he said.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns
Despite supporting the need for reforms, several participants argued that the commission should first enforce existing electoral laws before introducing new campaign financing regulations.
Some cited alleged voter bribery, misuse of public resources and the involvement of state officers during the recent Ol Kalou by-election, claiming the commission failed to act.
“What we witnessed was open bribery, misuse of public resources and state officers actively participating in campaigns, yet IEBC took no action,” said Seth Mwaniki, a participant from Nyeri.
Others expressed concern that the proposed regulations only cover the official campaign period, leaving political spending before campaigns largely unregulated.
“The proposals regulate financing only during the official campaign period supervised by IEBC, leaving pre-campaign spending outside the commission’s oversight,” said participant Jacob Ngumi.
Civil society representatives also questioned whether spending limits alone would guarantee equal competition, arguing that candidates with stronger financial backing would still enjoy a significant advantage.
“If the spending limit for an MCA seat is Ksh.5 million and I cannot raise that amount, my competitor who has the resources will still have the upper hand,” activist Fred Lau observed.
What’s Next?
The IEBC says it will review all views collected from members of the public, political parties and other stakeholders before finalising and gazetting the campaign financing regulations.
The commission believes the new framework will strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in Kenya’s electoral process as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
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