IEBC gazettes 2027 campaign spending rules, setting limits for candidates and parties

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has published new regulations for campaign financing in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. These rules, titled the Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026 and the Contribution and Spending Limits, are intended to govern how candidates and political parties finance their campaigns.

IEBC announced the gazetting of these regulations on August 8, 2026, and they are now ready for implementation. The framework is designed to ensure that financial resources do not unfairly benefit certain candidates or parties during the election, promoting a level playing field. IEBC's regulations cover all aspects of campaign financing, including contributions, expenditure, record-keeping, and reporting.

Political parties, candidates, campaign teams, donors, and other regulated entities must comply with these rules. The commission emphasizes that the regulations were developed following public participation and stakeholder consultations, incorporating feedback received during this process. IEBC stated that while the regulations are necessary for constitutional and statutory compliance, they also aim to safeguard election integrity.

The new framework comes in response to a High Court decision from 2021, which required IEBC to create the campaign financing regulations. The commission will enforce these rules through monitoring, verification, auditing, investigation, and enforcement. Political parties, candidates, campaign teams, donors, and other regulated entities are urged to familiarize themselves with the new legal requirements and take steps to ensure compliance as the 2027 General Election approaches.