NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a public participation exercise on proposed campaign financing regulations aimed at strengthening transparency and promoting fair political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission on Tuesday held stakeholder forums in Nyeri and Machakos counties, where members of the public, civil society organisations and political stakeholders shared their views on draft regulations designed to govern the raising and use of campaign funds.
IEBC Seeks to Level the Political Playing Field
The electoral commission said the proposed regulations are intended to ensure elections are contested on the basis of leadership, ideas and policies rather than financial muscle.
IEBC Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Supporting Services Obadiah Keitany said Kenya currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing campaign fundraising and expenditure.
“Currently, there are no laws covering the financing and raising of funds for campaigns, and that is why we are here,” Keitany said.
IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said regulating campaign financing would prevent wealthy candidates from enjoying an unfair advantage over competitors with fewer financial resources.
“Iwapo hakutakuwa na sheria ya kudhibiti senti za kampeni, itakuwa kwamba walio na mifuko mizito ndio wanaosikizwa zaidi. Walio na maoni na uongozi mzuri hawana nafasi,” Mukhwana said.
(Translation: “If there are no laws regulating campaign finances, those with deep pockets will always have the loudest voice, while candidates with good ideas and leadership qualities but limited resources will have little chance.”)
Commission Defends Electoral Record
During the forums, the commission also sought to reassure Kenyans of its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections, pointing to its handling of recent by-elections.
Mukhwana said IEBC has successfully conducted 32 by-elections since the current commission assumed office, with only two election petitions being filed.
“Tangu tuje tumefanya by-elections 32. Out of those 32 elections, there were only two petitions, Malava and Mbeere North. Zote zilifeli, na korti ikasema IEBC ilifanya kazi nzuri,” he said.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns
Despite supporting electoral reforms, several participants questioned whether the commission should prioritise enforcing existing electoral laws before introducing new campaign financing regulations.
Some cited allegations of voter bribery, misuse of public resources and the participation of state officers in campaigns during the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
“What we saw there was open bribery, open use of public resources and use of state officers in campaigns, yet IEBC never took any action,” said Nyeri participant Seth Mwaniki.
Others argued that the draft regulations only cover campaign financing during the official campaign period, leaving political spending before campaigns largely outside the commission’s oversight.
“They are only limiting the financing period to the official campaign period monitored by IEBC, but when you look at financing outside the campaign period, they don’t monitor it,” participant Jacob Ngumi said.
Civil Society Calls for Inclusive Rules
Civil society representatives also cautioned that campaign spending limits alone may not guarantee equal political competition if candidates without financial backing remain disadvantaged.
Activist Fred Lau argued that financial disparities could still influence electoral outcomes regardless of the proposed caps.
“Suppose we’re talking about Sh.5 million for an MCA seat and I don’t have that money. Anyone I compete against with that kind of money will already have an advantage,” he said.
Next Steps
The IEBC said it will review all submissions received during the public participation exercise before finalising the campaign financing regulations expected to guide political parties and candidates in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.