NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined key rules that will govern political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election, including restrictions on campaign hours, public harambees, campaign financing and use of the commission’s logo.
IEBC commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu said the official campaign period will run from May 29 to August 7, 2027, with candidates expected to conduct campaigns only between 7 am and 6 pm.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, Nderitu warned politicians and their supporters against campaigning at night, saying such activities would be unlawful.
“Campaigns are from 7am to 6pm every day. Don’t campaign at night; it is illegal,” Nderitu said.
IEBC bans use of its logo in campaign materials
Nderitu also said the commission has prohibited politicians, political parties and members of the public from using the IEBC logo on campaign posters and other political materials.
“We have banned the use of the IEBC logo in any poster by any politician, by any political party, by any Kenyan,” she said.
The restriction is intended to protect the integrity and identity of the electoral commission and prevent the public from being misled by campaign materials bearing official electoral symbols.
Candidates barred from public harambees
The commissioner further said candidates will not be allowed to participate in public harambees during the campaign period.
She also emphasised the importance of complying with campaign-financing requirements.
“You must open an account; you must form a committee on campaign finance; record every expenditure,” Nderitu said.
The requirements are part of the broader regulatory framework governing campaign expenditure and accountability during elections.
No degree requirement currently in force
Nderitu also addressed the qualifications required of candidates seeking elective positions, saying there is currently no degree requirement for candidates.
“As we stand today, there is no requirement for a degree for anybody; that is the situation we are in,” she said.
She noted, however, that the issue could change if legal proceedings are initiated or Parliament undertakes the required public participation and legislative process.
“Unless maybe somebody goes to court or we start the process of public participation. The Constitution expects that there is some qualification,” Nderitu said.
IEBC preparing to enforce two-thirds gender rule
The commissioner further disclosed that IEBC intends to implement the two-thirds gender principle in the nomination of candidates by political parties.
She said the commission had been guided by a court decision during the previous election requiring party lists to comply with the constitutional gender requirement.
“In the last election, we were guided by the court that the list of candidates submitted by a political party must meet the two-thirds gender rule,” Nderitu said.
“This time, we expect to implement that and we have forwarded amendments in Parliament to make it square,” she added.
The proposed changes are aimed at addressing the legal and administrative issues surrounding implementation of the gender principle before the 2027 elections.
Campaign rules take effect ahead of August 2027 election
The commission’s latest clarification comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The election is scheduled for August 10, 2027, with parties expected to nominate candidates before the formal campaign period begins.
The IEBC is expected to continue issuing guidelines to political parties, candidates and voters as preparations for the 2027 polls progress.
