The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is finalising a new Election Campaign Financing Framework after completing nationwide stakeholder engagement and public participation forums across the counties.
The framework is expected to set out proposed rules governing campaign financing, including contribution and spending limits for political parties and candidates ahead of future elections.
The IEBC Technical Working Group (TWG), with support from Transparency International Kenya (TI-K), is currently consolidating views and recommendations submitted by members of the public, political parties and other stakeholders during the consultations.
The team is meeting to analyse the submissions and incorporate relevant proposals into the draft framework.
Opening the retreat on behalf of the Commission’s CEO, TWG chairperson Obadiah Keitany said the extensive engagement process had generated diverse views that would help shape a practical and inclusive framework.
Keitany commended members of the working group for their commitment throughout the stakeholder consultations, noting that the views collected from across the country would strengthen the proposed regulations.
“The diverse submissions received will contribute to the development of a practical, inclusive and responsive campaign financing framework,” Keitany said.
IEBC Director of Legal Services Chrispine Owiye said the review was an important step towards fulfilling the commission’s constitutional and statutory mandate on regulation of election campaign financing.
He said the process would help establish a robust legal and regulatory framework capable of promoting transparency, accountability and fairness in the electoral process.
“The review process will support the development of a robust legal and regulatory framework that promotes transparency, accountability, fairness and electoral integrity,” Owiye said.
The working group is expected to prepare a final Stakeholder Engagement and Public Participation Report detailing the views received during the nationwide exercise.
It will also produce a harmonised draft of the Election Campaign Financing Regulations, together with proposed campaign contribution and spending limits.
The team will further compile supporting documentation for consideration by the commission before the regulations and contribution and spending limits are formally gazetted.
The exercise comes as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, with campaign financing expected to remain a key issue in ensuring a level playing field for political parties and candidates.
The campaign financing framework is intended to strengthen oversight of political spending and promote greater accountability in the sourcing and use of campaign funds.
The IEBC has previously undertaken stakeholder consultations as part of efforts to develop regulations that balance political participation with the need for transparency and electoral integrity.
The commission said the views of citizens, political parties and other stakeholders would be considered before the final framework is submitted for approval and gazettement.
