By Stanley Mumo
Politicians across the country are set to dig deeper into their pockets after the government introduced a new tariff structure that significantly increases the cost of using music at campaign events.
The revised fees, which apply to rallies, launches, and other political activities, raise charges for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections—potentially reshaping how candidates plan and execute their campaigns.
Under the new structure, presidential candidates will pay Sh500,000 for music licenses, up from Sh400,000. Gubernatorial aspirants will now part with Sh200,000, while senatorial candidates will pay Sh150,000—both reflecting notable increases from previous rates.
Those vying for Member of Parliament and Woman Representative seats will each pay Sh100,000, double the earlier fee, while Member of County Assembly candidates will now pay Sh15,000, up from Sh12,500.
However, political parties have been spared additional costs, with the flat annual fee for music use at campaign events remaining unchanged at Sh600,000, consistent with the 2023 consolidated tariffs.
The move is expected to drive up campaign spending, particularly for candidates who rely on music to energize crowds and enhance visibility during rallies. Analysts say the higher costs could force smaller candidates to scale back on elaborate events or seek alternative ways to engage voters.
With campaigns increasingly becoming high-stakes and resource-intensive, the new tariffs add yet another financial layer that candidates must navigate in the run-up to the next general election.
