Countdown to 2027: IEBC unveils full election timetable, from primaries to polling day

In a statement, Commissioner Ann Nderitu, Chairperson of IEBC's Election Operation Committee, said political parties participating in the General Election must display the names of candidates contesting their primaries before the March 16 deadline.

Nderitu further stated that parties must complete their primaries and resolve all intra-party disputes by Sunday, May 9, 2027.

Candidates who fail to submit their names within the set timelines will not be registered to participate in the General Election.

"A candidate intending to participate in the election as an independent candidate shall not be a member of any registered political party by Sunday, 9th May 2027, being at least three months before the General Election," Nderitu said.

The nomination of both political party and independent candidates will be conducted between Saturday, May 29 and Friday, June 11, 2027.

"Nomination papers shall be delivered by the candidates to the Chairperson of IEBC between the hours of eight o'clock in the morning and one o'clock in the afternoon and between the hours of two o'clock and four o'clock in the afternoon at a place designated by the Commission," Nderitu directed.

Nomination disputes must be lodged no later than Saturday, June 12, 2027, with IEBC required to resolve them within ten days of filing.

The official campaign period will open on Saturday, May 29, 2027 and legally terminate on Saturday, August 7, 2027, enforcing a mandatory 48-hour campaign blackout period ahead of polling day.