IEBC Unveils New Rules For Politicians Receiving Donations From Kenyans. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has proposed new rules that would compel politicians and political parties to declare all donations and contributions received during election campaigns.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced the plan on Thursday, July 30, during a stakeholder meeting on the Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026.
IEBC Targets Greater Transparency
Ethekon said the commission wants to strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in campaign financing ahead of future elections.
The IEBC has conducted consultations with political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders since the current commission assumed office last year.
He said the commission hopes to complete the consultations and gazette the regulations by August to meet the legal deadline.
Dedicated Campaign Accounts Proposed
Under the proposed regulations, every candidate and political party would have to appoint authorised officials to oversee campaign finances.
The rules would also require them to open designated campaign bank accounts and channel all campaign funds through those accounts.
IEBC says the accounts would allow the commission to track the amount of money candidates spend during campaigns and determine whether they comply with the prescribed spending limits.
Politicians Would Keep Donation Records
The draft regulations would require candidates to maintain detailed records of all contributions received from individuals and organisations.
They would also have to submit periodic reports to the electoral commission showing the sources and use of campaign funds.
Ethekon said the proposal follows international practices where political donations are disclosed publicly to promote openness in elections.
Spending Limits Under Review
The commission also plans to establish a stronger framework for monitoring campaign expenditure.
The proposed rules would help IEBC determine whether candidates or political parties exceed legally permitted spending limits during election periods.
According to the commission, the contribution and expenditure controls would create a more level playing field for all candidates.
IEBC Dismisses Live-Streaming Claims
During the same event, Ethekon rejected claims that the commission plans to stop live-streaming election results.
He assured Kenyans that IEBC remains committed to transparency and that the media will continue scrutinising the electoral process and reporting results as part of its oversight role.
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