Nairobi: Voters from Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties on Monday urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enact a campaign financing framework that is transparent, inclusive, and accountable ahead of the next General Election. The call was made during a public participation forum on the Election Campaign Financing Draft Regulations, 2026, held at the Catholic Cathedral Church Hall in Machakos.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum was organized by the IEBC and drew election stakeholders, civil society groups, aspiring leaders, and residents to review proposed spending limits and reporting requirements. IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, who oversees the Lower Eastern and Coastal region, and Machakos Returning Officer Nelly Ilongo presided over the meeting. Dr. Mukhwana emphasized that integrity and public trust remain central to credible elections, stating that a credible election is anchored on transparency in political financing. These regulations are designed to ensure every candidate competes on a level playing field and that the will of the people is determined by ideas and leadership, not financial power.
IEBC Election Officer Ken Kamau, from Embakasi, took participants through the draft regulations, explaining that the proposals are anchored on constitutional principles of preventing corruption, impartial enforcement of electoral law, equal opportunity, transparency, and accountability. Under the draft, the campaign expenditure period would run from six months before polling day to 14 days after the official declaration of results to enable the Commission to monitor finances throughout the cycle.
Residents flagged gaps in monitoring digital spending. Musilu Musyoka of Makueni asked how online campaign costs would be tracked and warned that digital platforms could create loopholes in reporting. Aspiring leader Stephen Wambua Kyalya, from Kitui, challenged the IEBC to guarantee fairness so candidates with limited resources are not edged out by wealthier opponents.
Perpetual Mulinge of Machakos pointed out that the draft does not clearly account for common campaign items such as lesos, branded clothing, and food distributed at rallies, even though they constitute a large share of spending. Festus Douglass, representing persons with disabilities, called for provisions that address the unique campaign needs of PWDs to ensure equal participation.
Jacob Ngumi, Secretary General of the Kenya Devolution Network, noted that the draft lacks a clear monitoring and evaluation mechanism. He observed that the commission appears to have too few officers to track how money is used and that the regulations do not address the use of state resources by government officials during campaigns.
The IEBC assured participants that all views gathered during the nationwide public participation exercise will be considered before the regulations are finalized.
