IEBC Sets Campaign Spending Limit in New Rules to Aspirants
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has published new campaign financing rules that place strict spending ceilings on candidates and parties preparing for the 2027 general elections.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, the commission fixed the maximum amount a presidential contender may spend at six point one one billion shillings. The limits were calculated using a formula that gives population a seventy per cent weighting and land area the remaining thirty per cent, ensuring larger and more populous regions receive higher allowances.
Political parties face a combined expenditure ceiling of Ksh 24.45 billion shillings across the entire contest. Transportation accounts for the largest share at Ksh 16.13 billion shillings, followed by advertising and media at Ksh 2.52 billion and election agents at Ksh2.08 billion. Other permitted costs cover venues, publicity materials, campaign staff, communication, security, accommodation and general administration. These figures form part of a comprehensive framework that also applies to county, National Assembly and County Assembly races.
County-level limits vary widely according to size and population. Nairobi City County received the highest allocation of Ksh 181.3 million shillings, while Turkana and Marsabit were set at Ksh 142.07 million and Ksh 127.02 million respectively. Lamu County recorded the lowest ceiling at twenty-eight point six nine million shillings. The commission further restricted contributions by ruling that no single source may supply more than twenty per cent of the total amount allowed under the relevant schedule.
Candidates and party committees that exceed the prescribed limits or fail to report breaches commit an offence. Convictions can attract a fine of up to two million shillings, imprisonment for a maximum of five years, or both. The electoral body cited its constitutional and legal powers in issuing the notice and stressed that the regulations mark the shift from policy development to active enforcement. All political actors have been urged to study the requirements covering contributions, spending, record-keeping, disclosure and accountability without delay.
The new rules arrive as political activity intensifies across the country. By establishing clear financial boundaries and penalties, the commission aims to promote transparency and level the playing field for aspirants at every level. Observers expect the ceilings to shape campaign strategies in the months ahead, compelling teams to prioritise efficient use of resources while remaining fully compliant with the law.
