The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that a university degree is not currently a requirement for candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the requirement, which had been contained in Section 22B(1) of the Elections Act, was declared unconstitutional by the courts and subsequently removed by the electoral body.
“As we start now, there is no requirement for a degree for anybody,” Nderitu said.
Court Declared Degree Requirement Unconstitutional
According to Nderitu, the courts found the degree requirement discriminatory, partly because only about 3.5 per cent of Kenyans held university degrees, based on the 2019 Census.
The courts also determined that the process through which the educational requirement was introduced failed to meet the constitutional threshold for public participation.
As a result, the qualification is currently not being enforced by IEBC.
Parliament Could Reintroduce Requirement
Nderitu noted that Parliament could introduce educational qualifications for elective positions again, provided the process follows the law, including proper legislation and public participation.
For now, candidates seeking to become President, Governor or Member of Parliament in the 2027 General Election do not need a university degree.
They will, however, be required to meet all other constitutional and statutory requirements governing their respective elective positions.
