The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified efforts to regulate political spending ahead of the 2027 General Election, beginning the review of public proposals on campaign financing rules that could redefine how candidates and political parties fund their campaigns.
The move comes amid renewed concerns over the growing influence of money in Kenyan politics, with past elections marked by accusations of voter inducement, opaque campaign financing and complaints that wealthy candidates enjoy an unfair advantage over rivals.
IEBC’s Technical Committee has started compiling and reviewing memoranda submitted by stakeholders and members of the public on the Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations and proposed campaign contribution and spending limits.
The public participation window closed on July 15, 2026, after which the committee, with support from Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya) through the Kenya Institutional Strengthening Programme (KISP), began consolidating views into a report for consideration by the Commission.
The report will later undergo further stakeholder engagement and public participation before the regulations and spending limits are finalised and gazetted.
IEBC said the exercise is part of its constitutional responsibility to ensure political competition is not determined solely by financial muscle.
Article 88(4)(i) of the Constitution mandates the Commission to regulate the amount of money that may be spent by or on behalf of candidates and political parties during elections.
The Election Campaign Financing Act also requires IEBC to prescribe campaign financing regulations and spending limits at least 12 months before a General Election.
A long-running electoral challenge
Campaign financing has been one of Kenya’s most contentious electoral issues, with previous elections raising questions about the source of political funds and the extent to which money influences voter choices.
During the 2022 General Election, concerns were raised by civil society groups over allegations of voter bribery, misuse of public resources and unequal campaign spending between candidates.
The issue of money in politics has also featured in political debates, with leaders across the divide accusing opponents of using financial resources to influence electoral outcomes.
The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce had also identified campaign financing reforms among key electoral changes needed to strengthen democracy, while civil society organisations have repeatedly called for transparency in political donations.
The failure to fully operationalise campaign spending limits has remained a concern among reform advocates, who argue that weak regulation allows wealthy individuals and powerful interests to dominate electoral competition.
Creating a level playing field
IEBC Technical Committee Chairperson and Deputy Commission Secretary, Support Services, Obadiah Keitany, MBS, said the regulations would help restore confidence in the electoral process.
Keitany thanked TI-Kenya for its partnership and said the Commission was committed to developing a framework that promotes accountability.
"Well-defined campaign financing rules help create a level playing field for all candidates, promote fair competition, strengthen electoral integrity and build public confidence in the electoral process," he said.
The Commission said the views gathered from the public would be critical in shaping rules that are practical and responsive to Kenya’s political environment.
TI-Kenya pushes for transparency
TI-Kenya, which has been supporting the reform process through KISP, said stronger campaign finance regulations would help address the role of illicit money in politics.
Titus Gitonga, TI-Kenya Programme Coordinator for Campaign Finance and Climate Governance, said the 2027 elections could mark a significant milestone in electoral reforms.
He said the next General Election could become the first full implementation of the Election Campaign Financing Act.
"Effective campaign finance regulation will enhance transparency and accountability while reducing the influence of illicit money in politics," Gitonga said.
Political stakes ahead of 2027
The push for campaign finance controls comes as political parties and presidential hopefuls intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Already, political activity has increased, with leaders criss-crossing the country, launching grassroots networks and holding public rallies years before the official campaign period begins.
The period has also witnessed renewed debate over the use of government projects and public resources during political mobilisation.
Opposition leaders have previously accused the government of using development projects to gain political advantage, while the administration has maintained that delivering services to citizens should not be interpreted as campaigning.
The question of campaign financing is expected to become even more significant as parties prepare to nominate candidates and mobilise resources for what is projected to be a highly competitive election.
The regulations being developed by IEBC will determine issues such as allowable campaign expenditure, contribution limits, disclosure requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
For the Commission, the challenge will be ensuring that the rules are strong enough to prevent financial influence from distorting elections while allowing candidates and parties to freely participate in the democratic process.
With the 2027 contest expected to attract intense political competition, IEBC says a transparent campaign financing framework will be central to protecting the credibility of Kenya’s electoral system.
