The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun gathering public views on proposed campaign financing regulations and election spending limits, saying the measures are intended to strengthen transparency and fairness ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
On Thursday, the commission held a national public participation forum at Nairobi’s Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, bringing together political stakeholders, civil society groups and members of the public to discuss the Draft Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon and attended by vice chairperson Fahima Araphat and fellow commissioners. It marked the latest stop in a series of regional consultations launched earlier this week to gather views before the commission finalises the proposed rules.
The consultations have already taken place in Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, Eldoret, Nyeri, Machakos, Nakuru, Isiolo and Kakamega.
Speaking during a forum in Machakos on Tuesday, Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the proposed regulations are intended to make elections more transparent and accountable while giving candidates a fair chance to compete.
“The proposed regulations and campaign contribution and spending limits are designed to promote fairness, transparency and accountability while ensuring a level playing field in electoral competition,” Mukhwana said.
He added that protecting the credibility of elections requires collective effort and urged Kenyans to take part in shaping the new framework.
Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, addressing participants in Nakuru, said the proposed limits are meant to ensure electoral outcomes reflect voters’ choices rather than the financial strength of candidates.
“The proposed contribution and spending limits are intended to ensure election outcomes are determined by the will of the people rather than the influence of financial resources,” Hassan said.
The commission says it wants to develop rules that reflect Kenya’s electoral realities while remaining practical, inclusive and consistent with the Constitution.
It has invited citizens and stakeholders to submit recommendations on how campaign funds should be raised, reported, disclosed, audited and monitored. The commission also wants feedback on enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
State and non-state actors have been urged to support the process as part of broader efforts to strengthen public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.
Campaign finance laws are widely seen as an important safeguard against undue political influence. Spending limits and disclosure requirements are designed to reduce the risk of wealthy individuals or anonymous donors exerting disproportionate influence over elections, while increasing transparency over how campaigns are funded.
The current public consultations form part of the IEBC’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, with the commission expected to review submissions before finalising the regulations.
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