The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s preparedness for the 10 August 2027 General Election, while urging political leaders, candidates and voters to uphold peace and respect electoral laws. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s preparedness for the 10 August 2027 General Election, while urging political leaders, candidates and voters to uphold peace and respect electoral laws.
In a press statement, the Commission said the publication of Kenya Gazette Notice No. 13497, carried in Volume CXXVIII–No. 144 and published on 20 August 2026, marks the commencement of the election period and brings into force two key legal instruments governing the 2027 polls: the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act.
The electoral commission has called on political actors, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint as the country enters the election period.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said political differences are a legitimate part of democracy, but urged leaders and their supporters to ensure political competition remains within the law.
The Commission appealed to Kenyans to choose peace over violence, unity over division and issues over personalities, while warning against misinformation, hate speech and the demonisation of political opponents.
IEBC said Kenya has demonstrated its ability to conduct competitive elections while safeguarding democratic institutions, and expressed hope that the 2027 polls will further demonstrate the country's democratic maturity and resilience.
The Commission has also urged Kenyans to register as voters and verify their voter details ahead of the General Election.
IEBC encouraged citizens to reject misinformation and exercise their democratic rights peacefully and responsibly.
The Commission said it will continue providing timely information and engaging political parties, government agencies, the media, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, development partners and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.
IEBC further disclosed that it gazetted the Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, together with contribution and spending limits for the 2027 General Election, on 7 August 2026.
The regulations are intended to promote a level playing field and prevent financial resources from unduly influencing political participation and electoral competition.
Political parties, candidates, campaign teams, donors and other regulated persons will be required to comply with rules covering campaign contributions, expenditure, record-keeping, disclosure, reporting and accountability.
The Commission said it is also progressing with preparations for the procurement of strategic materials required for the 2027 elections.
With funding for the General Election provided for in the 2026/27 financial year, IEBC said procurement of election materials is underway. However, the procurement of election technology and ballot papers has temporarily been halted following a request for review filed at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
IEBC said procurement of other strategic and non-strategic materials is continuing and is expected to be completed in good time for the General Election.
The Commission has also advertised vacancies for the Commission Secretary/CEO and seven directors, while promoting staff to senior positions as part of efforts to ensure it is fully staffed and adequately prepared for the 2027 polls.
IEBC said a successful election requires cooperation from all sectors of society and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the 2027 General Election peacefully, transparently, accountably and in accordance with the law.
With the country now formally entering the election period, the Commission's message to political actors and the public is clear: respect the law, reject misinformation, embrace peaceful competition and allow Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights freely.
