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| Photo/IEBC Chairman Ethekon /Blessed Media 001 |
IEBC Releases 2027 Election Preparedness Update as Key Deadlines Take Shape
Nairobi, Kenya — August 20, 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released a detailed update on its preparedness for the 2027 General Election, outlining key deadlines, voter registration progress, campaign rules and measures being taken to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
The Commission said it has published Kenya Gazette Notice No. 13497 in Volume CXXVIII – No. 144, dated August 20, 2026. The notice marks the commencement of the election period and brings into force the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act in relation to the August 10, 2027 General Election.
The IEBC said its preparations are guided by its Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and are focused on conducting an election that is independent, transparent, accountable and professional.
A major focus is the voters' register. The Commission said Continuous Voter Registration, which began on September 29, 2025, has allowed eligible Kenyans to register, transfer their registration and update their voter details.
As of August 20, 2026, a total of 2,936,516 Kenyans had registered as voters.
The IEBC projects that the number of registered voters could reach approximately 28.5 million by the 2027 General Election, compared with 22.1 million voters registered for the 2022 election.
The Commission is also expanding voter registration for Kenyans living outside the country from 12 to 26 countries.
Biometric technology will be used to help voters verify their details and strengthen the integrity of the register. The system will also help identify double registrations and facilitate the removal of deceased voters from the register.
The IEBC further said the register will undergo an independent forensic audit before being certified for use in the 2027 election.
The Commission has also urged political parties, government agencies, the media, civil society, religious organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to work together as preparations continue.
It said stronger coordination between security and justice agencies will be important in maintaining a peaceful and secure environment before, during and after the election.
The IEBC has set a number of important deadlines that political parties, candidates and public officers will be required to follow.
The 2027 General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, 2027.
Public officers intending to contest in the election must resign from office by February 10, 2027, six months before Election Day.
Political parties must submit their authorised persons and specimen signatures by October 15, 2026. Their nomination rules must be certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by October 30, 2026, and submitted to the IEBC by November 6, 2026.
Political parties must submit their membership lists and details of candidates taking part in party primaries by March 16, 2027. Party primaries and any related internal disputes must be completed by May 8, 2027.
Independent candidates must also submit their names and symbols to the Commission by May 8, 2027, in line with the law.
Presidential aspirants must submit a list containing the names, signatures and identification details of at least 2,000 registered voters from a majority of the counties by May 24, 2027.
Candidate registration will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027, depending on the position being contested.
- President: May 29 – June 11, 2027
- National Assembly: May 29 – June 1, 2027
- Senate: May 29 – June 2, 2027
- County Woman Representative: June 7 – June 11, 2027
- Governor: June 3 – June 6, 2027
- County Assembly Ward: June 2 – June 11, 2027
Any dispute arising from the nomination process must be lodged within 24 hours of the incident and no later than June 12, 2027. The Commission said such disputes should be resolved by June 23, 2027.
Campaigning will only be allowed within the period provided by law.
For the 2027 election, campaigns will begin after a candidate has been registered by the IEBC, but not earlier than May 29, 2027, and will end on August 7, 2027, 48 hours before Election Day.
The Commission warned that campaigning outside the legal period will be unlawful. This includes campaign posters, caravans, billboards and other forms of campaign activity.
Political parties, candidates and their supporters will also be required to follow the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The IEBC can impose sanctions for violations, including formal warnings, fines, restrictions on the use of public media, restrictions on public meetings and demonstrations, and limits on campaign activities.
Serious or repeated violations could attract stronger sanctions, including restrictions on participation in ongoing or future elections.
The Commission also reminded political actors that campaigning in places of worship and during burial ceremonies is prohibited during the election period.
The Election Offences Act, 2016 also criminalises acts that threaten the integrity of elections. These include bribery, violence, intimidation, multiple voting and interference with electoral processes.
The IEBC has called on the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to enforce the law.
The Commission has also raised concern over the unauthorised use of its logo on campaign materials.
According to the IEBC, the use of its logo on campaign materials is unlawful and could wrongly suggest that the Commission supports a particular candidate or political party.
Aspirants and political actors using the logo have been directed to remove the offending materials within five days, failure to which the Commission may take further action.
The IEBC is also pushing for changes to the country's electoral laws and regulations.
The proposed reforms include the Elections Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposed amendments to the Election Offences Act and changes to the County Governments Act.
The Commission has also proposed amendments to regulations covering elections, voter registration, voter education, party lists and primaries, election technology and the settlement of electoral disputes.
On campaign financing, the IEBC said it gazetted the Election Campaign Financing Regulations 2026 and contribution and spending limits for the 2027 General Election on August 7, 2026.
The rules are intended to promote a level playing field and prevent excessive financial influence in political competition.
Political parties, candidates, campaign teams and donors will be required to comply with the rules on contributions, spending, record keeping, disclosure and reporting.
The Commission is also working to fill vacant positions as part of its preparations. In August, it advertised the positions of Commission Secretary/CEO and seven directors, while also promoting staff to senior positions.
On election materials, the IEBC said procurement of several strategic and non-strategic materials is underway.
However, procurement of election technology and ballot papers has temporarily been halted following a request for review filed at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
The Commission said procurement of other materials remains on course and is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 election.
As the country moves closer to the election, the IEBC has called for restraint among political leaders, candidates and their supporters.
The Commission urged Kenyans to choose peace over violence, unity over division and issues over personalities.
It also warned against misinformation, hate speech and attempts to demonise political opponents.
The IEBC urged Kenyans to register and verify their voter details, reject false information and exercise their democratic rights peacefully and responsibly.
The Commission said it will continue engaging stakeholders and providing information as it works towards a peaceful, transparent, accountable and lawful 2027 General Election.
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