IEBC sets limits on expenditure during the 2017 campaigns

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has published the new campaign finance limits that cap contributions and spending by political parties and candidates in the 2017 polls.

In a gazette notice dated Monday the 8th of August 2016, the electoral oversight body will see each party allowed to spend a maximum of Sh15 billion while a presidential contender will be allowed to spend up a maximum of Sh5.2 billion.

Those aspiring for the gubernatorial, senatorial and county woman representative will be allowed an expenditure not exceeding Sh423 million.

Aspiring Members of Parliament will be allowed a maximum of Sh33 million while political parties limit set to a maximum of Sh15 billion.

In a statement to newsrooms, the electoral body said that it will also establish total contributions from a single source, paid-up media coverage and loans forming part of contributions a candidate or a political party may receive during expenditure period further warning any political party or candidate flouting the regulations is liable to a fine not exceeding Sh2 million or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both..

While terming the limits as “fairly permissive”, the poll body indicated that the limits were arrived at after extensive consultations with stakeholders including political parties, civil society, state agencies and the media.

The Election Campaign Financing (ECF) Act, 2013 was enacted by Parliament on 24^th December 2013 but the law came into force on 10^th January 2014.

While quoting Article 88(4)(I) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the poll body said that the Constitution mandates the Commission to regulate the amount of money that may be spent by or on behalf of a candidate or party in respect of any election.

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