IEBC Announces 2027 Election Date and Campaign Schedule

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled key dates and activities that will guide the preparation and conduct of the 2027 General Election

The timelines are contained in the Election Operations Plan (EOP), a framework designed to ensure the smooth planning, coordination and implementation of all electoral activities ahead of the August 2027 polls.

“The campaign period for purposes of the Tuesday, August 10, 2027 General Election shall commence on Saturday, May 29, 2027, and cease on Saturday, August 7, 2027, being 48 hours before the General Election Day,” said Commissioner Ann Nderitu, Chairperson of the Election Operations Committee.

Speaking during the launch of its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Commission said the EOP is designed to guide preparations for the 2027 General Election while promoting transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with Kenya’s electoral laws.

Public Officers Given Resignation Deadline by IEBC

IEBC announced that the General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2027.

The commission also reminded public officers intending to vie for elective seats that they must resign from their positions at least six months before the election date.

“A public officer who intends to contest in the General Election shall resign from public office within six months before the date of election, being on or before Tuesday, February 9, 2027,” Nderitu said.

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At the same time, political parties planning to field candidates in the election have been directed to submit their membership lists to the Commission by March 16, 2027.

The parties must also submit the names of individuals seeking to participate in party primaries, together with the dates and venues of those primaries, by the same deadline.

IEBC said political parties will be required to complete their primaries and resolve all internal disputes by May 9, 2027.

Requirements for Independent Candidates

The commission further outlined requirements for independent candidates seeking to contest in the election.

Such candidates must not be members of any registered political party by May 9, 2027, which is three months before the General Election.

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They are also required to submit their names and the symbols they intend to use during the election by the same date.

IEBC announced that nominations for both political party candidates and independent candidates will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027.

Candidates will be expected to submit their nomination papers to the IEBC chairperson at designated venues during the hours specified by the commission.

Any disputes arising from nominations must be filed with the commission no later than June 12, 2027. The commission said such disputes will be determined within 10 days of being lodged.

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Kenyans voting during the 2022 General Elections. PHOTO/IEBC