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Residents of Ol Kalou town receive goodies donated by the government ahead of the July 16 by-election in Ol Kalou constituency. [James Munyeki, Standard]
As Kenya moves towards the general election scheduled for 10 August 2027, a troubling reality is emerging: The country may once again conduct a national election without an operational campaign finance framework.
The Election Campaign Financing Act was enacted in 2013 to regulate campaign spending, enhance transparency and promote accountability in elections. Yet, more than a decade later, the law remains largely unimplemented because the regulations required to operationalise it have never taken effect.
The Act is unequivocal. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must make campaign finance regulations at least 12 months before a general election. For the 2027 elections, that deadline falls on August 9, 2026.
