Kenya: IEBC Launches Public Hearings On Campaign Spending Rules Ahead of 2027 Polls

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report by Irene Mwangi, reported that Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has begun nationwide public participation forums on proposed campaign financing regulations and spending limits ahead of the 2027 General Election. The consultations started Monday in Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa and Eldoret, with additional county-cluster forums expected Tuesday.

According to the report, the forums are focused on the Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, and proposed ceilings on contributions and campaign expenditure for candidates and political parties. Participants are being briefed on the proposals before submitting views, which the IEBC says will help shape the final version before publication and gazettement.

Capital FM reported that the draft caps released weeks earlier would limit presidential candidates to campaign spending of Sh4.44 billion, while political parties could spend up to Sh17.7 billion. Proposed limits for county and constituency races vary by factors such as population, geographic size and the cost of reaching voters. Among county ceilings cited in the report, Turkana has the highest proposed limit at Sh123 million, followed by Nairobi at Sh117 million, Marsabit at Sh114 million and Wajir at Sh103 million.

The process is grounded in the Election Campaign Financing Act, which requires the commission to set contribution limits, spending ceilings and authorised campaign expenses at least 12 months before a general election. The IEBC’s timetable places the review and consultation process through early August, after which final rules and limits are expected to be gazetted for enforcement before the 2027 polls.