Kenya's electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has said it is unable to crack down on early campaigns due to legal constraints. The commission's chairman, Wafula Chebukati, told a press conference in Nairobi on August 24, 2026, that the law only allows the IEBC to regulate campaigns during the official campaign period, which begins 90 days before an election.
Chebukati noted that while the country is already in a heightened electioneering period, with politicians engaging in vote-hunting activities, the IEBC lacks the legal mandate to act. He cited the Elections Act, which does not provide for penalties for early campaigns, and called for legislative reforms to address the gap.
Political analysts say the early campaigns are a common feature in Kenya, as politicians seek to gain an advantage before the official period. However, the IEBC's hands are tied, and it can only issue advisories and appeals for compliance.
The commission has urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the law and avoid engaging in activities that could lead to electoral malpractice. The IEBC also reminded the public that the official campaign period for the next general election will be announced in due course.
