Kenyans elect a Member of Parliament every five years.

Article 1 of the Constitution says that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya.

The people may exercise their sovereign power either directly or through their democratically elected representatives.

The term Member of Parliament (MP) refers to the Senators, Women Representatives, and Members of the National Assembly.

The term also refers to both elected and nominated members.

A Member of Parliament (MP) is eligible for election for a five-year term and can be re-elected as many times as possible since there are no term limits for MPs in Kenya.

To become a Member of Parliament (MP) in Kenya, either in the National Assembly or the Senate, you must meet several constitutional, legal, and practical requirements.

1. Constitutional Requirements (Basic Qualifications)

According to the Kenyan Constitution (2010) and the Elections Act, a person must:

• Be a Kenyan citizen
• By birth or registration.
• Be a registered voter
• You must have a valid voter’s card.
• Meet the minimum age
• National Assembly (MP): At least 18 years
• Senate: At least 18 years
• Hold a post-secondary qualification
• You must have a minimum post-secondary school qualification recognized in Kenya.

For an election, you do not need a degree unless you choose to contest a seat where the law currently requires it (though the degree requirement has been debated and suspended at various times).

• Be of sound mind
• Not bankrupt
• Not convicted of an offense

You must not have been convicted of an offense and sentenced to at least six months imprisonment within the last five years.

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2. Disqualifications

You cannot run for MP if you are:

• A public officer (civil servant, police, teacher, etc.) who has not resigned 6 months before elections
• A member of the IEBC
• A judge or magistrate who has not resigned
• A state officer who would create a conflict of interest
• Serving a prison sentence

3. Political Party Requirements

If running under a party:

• You must win party nominations
• You must adhere to the party constitution
• You must get the party nomination certificate submitted to IEBC

If running independently:

• You must NOT be a member of any political party for at least 90 days before elections
• You must collect required signatures from voters in your constituency or county.

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4. IEBC Requirements

During clearance, you must provide:

• ID card + voter’s card
• Academic certificates
• Tax compliance certificate
• Clearance from
• EACC (Integrity clearance)
• KRA
• DCI (Police clearance)
• HELB (if applicable)
• Passport photos
• Payment of IEBC nomination fees

National Assembly: Typically KSh 20,000 (less for women, youth, and PWD)

Senate: Slightly higher fees

5. Campaign Requirements

Although not written in law, aspiring MPs usually need:

• Money

Campaigns often cost millions for transport, rallies, posters, agents, and mobilization.

• Strong local networks
• You must be known and trusted in your constituency or county.
• Party popularity (if using a party)
• Good public image
• Integrity and a clean reputation help.
• Clear agenda and ability to mobilize support.

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Parliament building in Nairobi Kenya