IEBC sets 2022 campaign spending limits, presidential candidates allowed up to Ksh.4.4B

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a Gazette Notice prescribing the amount of money political candidates and political parties will be allowed to spend in their 2022 campaigns.

According to the Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2021, a presidential candidate will be allowed to spend a maximum of Ksh.4.4 billion for their 2022 campaigns.

Those eyeing the Gubernatorial, Senatorial or Woman Representative seats also have their spending regulated with Turkana County having the highest spending limit at Ksh.123 million followed by Nairobi (Ksh.117 million) and Marsabit (114 million).

Lamu County has the least spending limit at Ksh.21 million followed by Tharaka Nithi (Ksh.23 million), Elgeyo Marakwet (Ksh.25 million). Those seeking positions in the National Assembly and County Assembly also have their spending limits prescribed in the gazette notice.

The spending limit is guided by the geographical size and population of the specific region.

Political parties will be allowed to spend up to Ksh.17 billion. The authorized items or activities for which campaign expenses may be incurred by a political party include paying for venues where campaigns may be undertaken; publicity material for campaigns, advertising, campaign personnel, transport and any other justifiable expenses including communication, nomination fees, security, accommodation and administrative costs.

On the contribution limits, the Gazette Notice indicates that a political party cannot receive more than 20% of its total contributions from a single source.

“Pursuant to section 12 (2) of the of the Election Campaign Financing Act, 2013, a contribution from a single source is limited to twenty
percent of the total contributions,” reads the notice.

A candidate or political party committee which exceeds the prescribed spending limits and fails to report this fact to the electoral commission commits an offence under the Election Financing Act and is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh.2 million or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both.

The campaign financing regulations gazetted by the IEBC will be subject to Parliamentary approval.