IEBC caps Presidential election spending at Sh4.4bn

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has capped presidential campaign spending in the next General Election at Sh4.4 billion.

This means that no political party can spend more than this amount during campaigns to popularise its presidential candidate to voters.

In a gazette notice dated August 9, 2021, signed by IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati, the electoral body also spelt out the contribution limits and penalties a candidate and political parties may incur for breaking the rules.

The enforcement of the campaign rules, however, remains in doubt after National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi suggested last week that they were time-barred.

Those found guilty of breaching the new spending rules are liable to a fine not exceeding Sh2 million or a jail term not exceeding five years or both.

The IEBC published the limits on campaign spending ahead of MPs approving the rules.

The draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations were tabled before Parliament last Thursday and lawmakers are yet to debate them.

The IEBC is required under Section 5 of the Election Campaign Financing Act 2013 to make rules, which must be submitted to Parliament for approval at least 12 months before the General Election.

Kenya goes to the General Election on August 9, 2022. The Draft Election Campaign Financing Regulations 2020 must have been passed on or before August 9, 2021.

Candidates for governor, women representative and senator seats will be limited to spending between Sh21.9 million and Sh117.3 million, depending on the size and population of the devolved units.

Campaign spending for the three seats in Turkana is capped the highest at about Sh123 million, followed by Marsabit and Nairobi at Sh114 million and 117 million respectively. Lamu is lowest at Sh21 million.