NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been urged to strengthen campaign finance oversight to ensure elections are decided by voters rather than financial influence.
The call is contained in an aide memoir submitted to the electoral commission, which outlines a series of proposals aimed at safeguarding the integrity, fairness and transparency of Kenya’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The memorandum argues that the growing influence of money in politics risks undermining democratic principles by giving financially powerful candidates an unfair advantage over competitors.
Among the proposals is the strict enforcement of campaign finance laws, including mandatory disclosure of campaign donations and expenditure, enhanced monitoring of political financing and stronger action against vote-buying and other election-related offences.
The stakeholders also urged the IEBC to work closely with institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and electoral offences to improve compliance with campaign financing regulations.
According to the memorandum, effective oversight of political financing would promote a level playing field, strengthen public confidence in elections and ensure leadership is determined by the choices of voters rather than financial resources.
The document further calls for expanded civic education programmes to discourage vote-buying and encourage issue-based campaigns focused on policies and leadership instead of monetary inducements.
It maintains that credible elections require equal opportunities for all candidates and political parties, with electoral competition guided by the Constitution, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the electorate.
The recommendations come as the IEBC continues preparations for the 2027 General Election following the reconstitution of the commission.