IEBC clerks in the Ol- Kalau By-elections . [File, Standard]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted new regulations governing campaign financing ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, setting out strict requirements on how candidates and political parties will raise, spend and account for campaign funds.
The Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, gazetted on August 7, 2026, provide a framework intended to promote transparency and accountability in political fundraising and campaign expenditure.
Under the new regulations, the campaign expenditure period will begin at least six months before the date of the General Election and end 14 days after the conclusion of the polls.
Each candidate and political party will be required to appoint an authorised person responsible for receiving campaign contributions, making campaign-related payments and filing reports on contributions and expenditure.
A candidate may, however, act as their own authorised person. Candidates and political parties must notify IEBC of the person responsible for managing their campaign finances.
The regulations also require political parties and candidates to provide the names of supporting individuals or organisations intending to campaign in their favour or contribute to their campaigns.
Candidates and parties will further be required to open dedicated campaign financing bank accounts at financial institutions domiciled in Kenya. The account may be held in the name of the candidate, political party, authorised person or supporting organisation, as provided for under the regulations.