The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has proposed a KSh4.44 billion campaign spending limit for each presidential candidate as part of sweeping reforms to regulate campaign financing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The electoral commission has also proposed capping campaign expenditure by political parties at KSh17.7 billion under draft Election Campaign Finance Regulations.
The proposals will undergo public participation before being submitted to Parliament for consideration and approval.
The IEBC is urging Parliament to enact the regulations by the end of August 2026 to give the commission sufficient time to implement the framework ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
Spending Limits for All Elective Positions
According to the commission, the proposed regulations are intended to operationalise the Election Campaign Finance Act by creating a more transparent and equitable campaign financing system.
The proposed expenditure ceilings across elective positions include:
- KSh5.63 billion for ward elections.
- KSh5.26 billion for constituency elections.
- KSh2.39 billion for county elections.
The commission said the limits were developed after assessing average campaign costs through stakeholder consultations and reviewing campaign financing practices in other jurisdictions.
To calculate the ceilings, IEBC classified electoral areas into urban, sparsely populated and other categories before applying a formula that assigns 60 per cent weight to population and 40 per cent to land area, as provided under Section 18(4) of the Election Campaign Finance Act.
Higher Limits for Larger Counties
The proposals recognise the higher cost of campaigning in geographically expansive counties.
If adopted, candidates seeking governor, senator and woman representative seats in Turkana County would have the highest spending limit at KSh123 million.
Other proposed ceilings include:
- Nairobi – up to KSh117.3 million
- Marsabit County – up to KSh114 million
- Wajir County – up to KSh113.8 million
Constituency Spending Caps
Campaign spending limits for parliamentary candidates would also vary depending on the size and characteristics of constituencies.
Among the proposed ceilings:
- North Horr Constituency – KSh94 million
- Tetu Constituency – KSh11.2 million
- Kilgoris Constituency – KSh22.4 million
- Kibra Constituency – KSh14.5 million
Major Campaign Cost Areas
The draft regulations also identify the main areas where political parties are expected to incur campaign expenses.
According to the IEBC, transportation is projected to account for the largest share of political party campaign expenditure at KSh11.81 billion.
Other estimated costs include:
- Advertising and media campaigns – KSh1.84 billion
- Election agents – KSh1.52 billion
- Branding, campaign materials and logistical support.
The commission said the proposed expenditure limits are designed to promote transparency, accountability and fairness in campaign financing while curbing excessive spending that could compromise the integrity of elections.
