IEBC lists top 10 counties with highest election spending limits

Nairobi City County has the highest election spending limit in Kenya, allowing candidates for governor, senator, and woman representative positions to spend up to Ksh181.3 million during the election period, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The gazettement of these limits is a significant milestone in fulfilling IEBC's constitutional mandate under Article 88(4)(i) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and enacts the Election Campaign Financing Act, 2013.

This law governs campaign financing and sets the maximum expenditure by or on behalf of candidates and political parties during an election. Nairobi's spending limit is more than double that of Kajiado, which has the lowest limit at Ksh88.4 million. The variation in spending limits among counties reflects the considerations taken into account when determining these ceilings.

The limits apply to candidates running for governor, senator, and woman representative positions and cover expenses such as venue hire, publicity material, advertising, campaign personnel, transportation, communication, nomination fees, security, accommodation, and administrative costs deemed justifiable campaign expenses. As the 2027 General Election approaches, these spending limits will continue to serve as a crucial reference point for candidates and campaign teams in planning their financial operations and electoral activities.