Kenya's official campaign period begins today. What's at stake?

As campaigns officially kick off on Sunday, May 29, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced key dates in the run-up to August’s General Election.

Key among them is the registration of aspirants seeking the presidential, senatorial and parliamentary positions, which is expected to be completed on May 29 as well.

At the same time, the electoral body has announced that governorship aspirants and their county woman representative counterparts will be registered on Wednesday, June 1.

The commission is expected to receive candidate registration returns and conduct ballot paper proofreading on Tuesday, June 7.

IEBC will on the same day also prepare gazette notices of candidates who have been cleared and registered to contest for their respective seats.

Should there arise any disputes from the nomination exercise, the Wafula Chebukati-led body has said that such claims will be lodged and settled on Thursday, June 9.

A complete list of all registered candidates will then be published on Monday, June 20.

So far, the commission has released a list of 16 shortlisted presidential aspirants who will move to the next phase of nominations that kicks off on Sunday, May 29.

According to the IEBC shortlist released Saturday, the President Uhuru Kenyatta succession race that began with 56 contenders has drastically reduced to 16 aspirants.

On the list is Roots party aspirant Prof. George Wajackoyah, David Mwaure Waihiga of Agano party, Jimi Wanjigi of Safina, as well as Thirdway alliance leader Dr. Ekuru Aukot

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria of Usawa party, Ford Asili’s Njeru Kathangu as well as independent candidates Gibson Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a, Dorothy Kemunto Nyangori, Peter Mubiko King’ori, and Jeremiah Nyaga are on the IEBC list.

Jane Juliet Munyeki, Faith Wairimu Ngigi, Eliud Muthiora, and George Munyotta Kamau were also shortlisted.

In the week-long presidential nomination process ahead, the aspirants will be required to show compliance with Chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, and submit clearance certificates from relevant agencies.

The Wiper Party has since said that its leader Kalonzo Musyoka is still in the race despite not making it on the list, amid reports that he has been locked out for non-compliance, which the party dismissed.