IEBC Sets Sh. 4.44 Billion Cap on Presidential Campaign Spending in New Finance Rules

July 6, 2026 — The electoral commission has released new proposals that will limit how much money candidates and political parties can spend during campaigns, in a bid to curb the influence of money in elections.

Under the draft regulations unveiled on Monday, a person vying for the presidency will not be allowed to spend more than Sh4.44 billion throughout the campaign period.

The commission has also proposed a ceiling of Sh17.7 billion for total expenditure by political parties during an election cycle.

The announcement was made during a briefing addressed by an IEBC official at a podium branded with the commission’s logo. The new rules are part of broader reforms aimed at promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in political financing.

According to the commission, unchecked campaign spending has in the past given an unfair advantage to candidates with deep pockets, while shutting out those with limited resources.

The proposed limits are expected to apply to all forms of campaign expenses — including rallies, advertising, media buys, travel, and mobilization. Parties will also be required to declare their sources of funding and submit expenditure reports for audit.

Officials say the Sh17.7 billion party cap is meant to regulate collective spending by parties that field candidates across different elective seats, from MCA to presidential.

The proposal has already sparked debate online and within political circles. Some leaders welcomed the move, saying it will level the playing field and reduce commercialization of politics. Others argue the figures are still too high for most aspirants and may be difficult to enforce.

Civil society groups have long pushed for stricter controls on campaign financing, saying excessive spending fuels corruption and forces elected leaders to prioritize donors over voters once in office.

The commission says the draft regulations will be subjected to public participation before they are finalized. If adopted, they will guide spending for the 2027 General Election and any by-elections held before then.

Political parties and aspirants will also be expected to open dedicated campaign bank accounts and keep records that can be inspected by the commission.

With just over a year to the next polls, the new caps are likely to shape how campaigns are planned and funded. Parties that breach the limits risk penalties, including fines and possible disqualification of candidates.

The commission maintains that the goal is not to restrict political competition, but to ensure elections are decided by ideas and policies, not by the size of a candidate’s war chest.