IEBC clarifies degree requirements for presidential, MP and gubernatorial candidates

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that a university degree will no longer be required for candidates seeking the presidency, governorship, or parliamentary seats in the 2027 General Election in Kenya. IEBC Commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu made the clarification during an interview on Sunday night, August 23, 2026.

The decision comes after court decisions deemed parts of the Elections Act requiring academic qualifications for these positions unconstitutional. The clarification comes as prospective candidates assess their eligibility for the 2027 election, which will be held on August 10, 2027. Nderitu explained that cases were filed challenging the degree requirement for presidential, parliamentary, and gubernatorial candidates before the 2022 general election.

The court found that the provision limiting political rights and discriminating based on educational qualifications was unconstitutional, also noting the low proportion of Kenyans holding university degrees. This legal position left IEBC without a blanket degree requirement for the 2027 election. However, Nderitu emphasized that while there is no degree requirement, the Constitution still expects Parliament to provide legislation interpreting and operationalising qualification requirements for elected leaders.

The issue has sparked a potential legislative debate ahead of the 2027 election, focusing on the minimum academic qualifications candidates should possess and how Parliament can introduce these requirements without violating political rights or bypassing public participation. For now, the lack of a degree requirement is significant for aspiring candidates, but the question of minimum educational qualifications remains open to Parliament and potentially the courts.