The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have issued a critical announcement that sets the stage for Kenya’s next general election.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu confirmed that public officers intending to vie for elective seats must resign by February 9, 2027.
“A public officer who intends to contest in the general election shall resign from the public office within six months before the date of the election, being on or before Tuesday, February 9, 2027,” Ann said.
According to her, the deadline is designed to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with electoral laws, preventing conflicts of interest as the country gears up for the polls.
The IEBC further directed that political parties must submit their membership lists and candidate nominations by March 16, 2027. The political parties will also be required to submit the names of individuals contesting in party primaries, as well as venues and dates of the primaries.
“A political party intending to present a candidate in the general election shall conduct its primaries and resolve intra-party disputes on or before Sunday, May 9, 2027,” she said.
The timeline is to ensure the Commission’s push for orderly preparation, giving parties for a clear framework to finalize their internal processes ahead of the campaigns.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu highlighted the seriousness of the directive; reminding stakeholders that adherance to the rules is not optional but a constitutional requirement.
The IEBC indicated the nomination of political party and independent candidates will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027, as the official campaign for the general election will begin on May 29, 2027 and end on August 7, 2027, two days before Election Day.
