Public officers eyeing elective posts must resign by February 10: IEBC

Public officers in Kenya aspiring to run for elective positions in the 2027 General Election must resign from their posts by February 10, 2027. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced this deadline, which falls exactly six months before the election scheduled for August 10, 2027.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized that adherence to this resignation deadline is non-negotiable, as it is legally binding and crucial for an orderly electoral process. "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," Ethekon stated.

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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 IEBC has also released a detailed timetable for the election cycle. Political parties are required to submit their membership lists and candidate details for primaries by March 16, 2027. Party primaries and any disputes must be resolved by May 8, the same date by which independent candidates must meet their legal obligations. Presidential candidates will have until May 24 to submit lists of supporting voters from a majority of Kenya's counties.

Candidate registration is set to begin on May 29, with specific dates for different elective positions. The official campaign period will commence after candidate registration, but no earlier than May 29, 2027. Ethekon cautioned parties, candidates, and their supporters against campaigning outside the legally prescribed period, which includes restrictions on posters, billboards, and caravans. The campaign period will officially close on August 7, 2027, just 48 hours before Kenyans cast their votes.

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The law prescribes when election campaigns may commence.