The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revived plans to regulate campaign spending by publishing draft regulations that propose expenditure limits for candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Under the proposals, presidential candidates would be allowed to spend up to KSh4.44 billion, while political parties would be capped at KSh17.7 billion during the campaign period.
Governorship, Senate and Women Representative candidates would be allowed to spend between KSh12.3 million and KSh123 million, depending on the size and population of their counties. Parliamentary candidates would spend between KSh17.5 million and KSh123 million, while MCA candidates would be limited to between KSh2.5 million and KSh20 million.
This marks the second attempt by the electoral commission to regulate campaign financing after similar efforts in 2016 stalled following parliamentary amendments to the Campaign Financing Act.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the regulations are intended to promote transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
“The Campaign Financing Act of 2013 gives the Commission the mandate to regulate contributions, expenditure and accountability in campaign financing,” said Ethekon.
The Commission has invited Kenyans to submit their views on the draft regulations by July 15, 2026.
IEBC has also reminded stakeholders of the 2027 election timetable, including the requirement that public officers intending to contest must resign by February 9, 2027.
The proposals come at a time when many politicians have been spending heavily on public empowerment programmes, widely viewed as early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
