Editor's Review

IEBC capped the maximum expenditure for presidential campaigns at Ksh6.1 billion. 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted new contribution and spending limits for candidates and political parties ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

In the notice issued on Friday, August 7, IEBC capped the maximum expenditure for presidential campaigns at Ksh6.1 billion. 

The electoral commission also set limits for candidates seeking Governor, Senate and Woman Rep positions. 

Nairobi County has the highest limit of Ksh181.3 million while Lamu has the lowest limit at Ksh28.6 million. 

For National Assembly seats, North Horr constituency has the highest limit of 100,424,301 while Wundayi in Taita Taveta has the lowest spending limit of Ksh15.4 million. 

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File image of IEBC Chair Erastus Edung Ethekon.

At the same time, IEBC set the maximum expenditure for political parties in 2027 election campaigns at Ksh24.45 billion.  

According to the commission, parties should spend a maximum of Ksh375 million on venues, Ksh1.066 billion on publicity materials, Ksh2.51 billion on advertising and Ksh332.9 million on campaign personnel. 

Transportation has been allocated Ksh16.1 billion, election agents Ksh2.08 billion, communication Ksh134.2 million, security Ksh285 million, accommodation Ksh24.9 million and administrative costs Ksh1.2 billion. 

IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon explained that the regulation of campaign spending is essential to safeguarding the integrity of electoral competition. 

“The prescribed Contribution and Spending Limits are intended to promote a level playing field by ensuring that financial resources do not disproportionately determine political participation, access to voters or electoral competition, while respecting the constitutional rights to political participation and freedom of expression,” said Ethekon. 

He further urged candidates and political parties to comply with the gazetted spending limits ahead of 2027. 

“All political parties, candidates, campaign teams, donors and other regulated persons are required to comply with the election campaign financing regulations, 2026 and the prescribed contribution and spending limits, including the applicable requirements on contributions, expenditure, record-keeping, disclosure, reporting and accountability,” he added. 

This comes days after IEBC appointed Ruth Kulundu as the commission's acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Ethekon validated the appointment via an internal memo dated August 4, confirming that Kulundu will also serve as IEBC's Secretary to the Commission. 

He explained that her appointment will ensure continuity within the Commission, following the lapse of outgoing Ag. CEO Moses Sunkuli's term in office.

The Chairperson stated that Kulundu will serve for two months, or until IEBC recruits and appoints a substantive CEO, whichever comes first. 

"The Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer/Commission Secretary, effective August 5, 2026," the memo read in part.