What are the requirements to become president of Kenya?

To become a presidential candidate in Kenya, a person must first be a Kenyan citizen by birth, not through registration or naturalization. Being a registered voter is crucial, as is meeting the educational criteria set by the Elections Act, which requires a degree from a recognized Kenyan university. While the Constitution does not explicitly state a minimum age for a presidential candidate, the practical implication is that the age requirement is not "35 years."

Political party affiliation is another requirement, as candidates can either seek nomination through a registered political party or run as an independent. If running as a party candidate, they must follow their party's nomination process and IEBC requirements. Independent candidates must meet additional legal requirements, including gathering signatures from at least 2,000 voters across a majority of Kenya's 47 counties.

A presidential candidate cannot have allegiances to a foreign state and must not currently hold a public office. However, the Constitution makes exceptions for the sitting President, Deputy President, and Members of Parliament. Additionally, a presidential aspirant must avoid disqualification based on Kenya's constitutional leadership and integrity framework, which includes disqualifications such as being an undischarged bankrupt.