IEBC seeks Kenyans' views on campaign financing rules ahead of 2027 election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is seeking public input on draft regulations aimed at tightening the raising and use of campaign funds ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On Tuesday, the commission held public participation forums in Nyeri and Machakos, where stakeholders gave their views on proposals designed to regulate political spending.

The commission says regulating campaign financing will help level the political playing field and prevent money from overshadowing leadership, policies and ideas.

"Currently, there are no laws covering the financing and raising of funds for campaigns, and that is why we are here," Obadiah Keitany, the IEBC Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Supporting Services, said.

IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the proposed regulations are intended to ensure candidates are not disadvantaged simply because they lack 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 stated.

The commission also sought to reassure Kenyans that it remains capable of conducting free, fair and credible elections, citing its management of recent by-elections.

"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," Mukhwana noted.

However, some participants questioned the commission's priorities, arguing that IEBC should first enforce existing electoral laws before introducing new regulations.

They cited alleged voter bribery, misuse of public resources and the involvement of state officers during the recent Ol Kalou by-election, claiming the commission failed to take action.

"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," Seth Mwaniki, a participant from Nyeri, said.

Other stakeholders argued that the proposed regulations only address campaign financing during the official campaign period, leaving political spending before campaigns largely unregulated.

"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," Jacob Ngumi, a participant, stated.

Civil society representatives also expressed concern that spending limits could disadvantage candidates without financial backing.

"Suppose we're talking about Ksh.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," activist Fred Lau said.

IEBC says it will review the views collected from members of the public and political stakeholders before finalising and publishing the campaign financing regulations expected to guide the 2027 General Election.