Public officers who want to leave their government positions and seek elective office in the 2027 General Election have been given a firm deadline, with the IEBC requiring them to resign by February 10, 2027.
The date comes six months before Kenyans head to the polls on August 10, 2027, and is part of the election timetable issued by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as preparations for the vote get underway.
“Any public officer who intends to contest in this election must resign from public office by Wednesday, 10th February 2027, which is exactly six months before the election,” the Commission said.
The IEBC said the dates it has issued must be followed by all those taking part in the electoral process, describing them as “non-negotiable” and legally binding.
The Commission has also given political parties several deadlines to complete preparations for their nominations and participation in the election.
Parties are required to provide the names of their authorised persons and specimen signatures by October 15, 2026.
Their nomination rules must be certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by October 30 and then presented to the IEBC by November 6.
By March 16, 2027, parties must submit their membership lists together with information on candidates who will participate in their primaries. The submissions must also show when and where the primaries will be conducted.
All party primaries, including disputes linked to the internal nomination process, must be completed by May 8.
Independent candidates will also have until May 8 to present their names and symbols to the Commission.
Those seeking the presidency face an additional requirement. Presidential aspirants must submit the names, signatures and identification details of at least 2,000 registered voters in each of a majority of counties by May 24.
Candidate registration will take place between May 29 and June 11, with the specific dates varying according to the elective position.
The Commission has also drawn a clear line on when political campaigns can begin and end.
Campaigning will start after a candidate is registered, but in no case before May 29, 2027. The campaign period will close on August 7, 48 hours before voters cast their ballots.
“The law prescribes when election campaigns may commence. For the 2027 General Election, the campaign period shall commence upon registration of a candidate by the Commission, but not earlier than 29th May 2027, and shall end on 7th August 2027, 48 hours before Election Day,” said IEBC.
The Commission cautioned political parties, candidates and their supporters against starting campaigns outside the period provided for under the law.
It said the restriction applies to campaign posters, caravans, billboards and other forms of campaigning conducted outside the authorised period.
The IEBC said it will take appropriate action against anyone who violates electoral laws and regulations.
It called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with the requirements and observe the deadlines as the country moves towards the August 10, 2027 General Election.