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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released the official calendar for the 2027 General Election, confirming that Kenya will vote on Tuesday, August 10, 2027.
The commission has also retained the current electoral structure of 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards.
Kenyans to Elect Six Groups of Leaders
The election will cover the presidency, Senate, National Assembly, county women representatives, governors and Members of County Assemblies.
IEBC published the election dates in a Kenya Gazette Special Issue on Thursday, August 20, through seven notices signed by Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon.
The gazette lists all 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards, maintaining the boundaries used in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections.
Boundary Review Delayed
IEBC said it could not complete a comprehensive boundary review before the 2027 election because of limited time, court cases involving census data and other preparations.
The Constitution requires constituency reviews after eight to 12 years and says the exercise must end at least 12 months before a General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Ethekon previously said a full review would require at least two years.
Parties Face New Deadlines
Political parties must submit details of their authorised officials to IEBC by October 15, 2026.
They must also certify their nomination rules by October 30 and submit them to the commission by November 6.
The Registrar of Political Parties must certify party membership lists by March 23, 2027, before parties submit the lists to IEBC by April 12.
Primaries Set for May
Political parties must publish details of their primary elections by April 8, including the names of aspirants, dates and venues.
IEBC will gazette the contestants by April 16, while parties must complete their primaries and resolve internal disputes by May 8.
The May 8 deadline will also apply to independent candidates leaving political parties before the election.
Public Officers Face February Deadline
Public officers seeking elective positions must resign by February 10, 2027.
Presidential aspirants must submit signatures from at least 2,000 registered voters drawn from a majority of counties by May 24.
IEBC will conduct nominations between May 29 and June 11, depending on the position.
Campaigns to End Three Days Before Voting
Campaigns can begin from May 29 for some positions and must end on August 7, three days before polling day.
Candidates will only conduct campaign activities between 7am and 6pm under the election calendar.
Political fundraising, including harambees by aspirants, will also face a ban from December 9, 2026.
Parties must submit their party lists by June 25, 2027, while chief election agents must be named by July 27.
The new calendar gives political parties, aspirants and public officers a clear timetable as preparations for the 2027 election gather pace.
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