The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has published a detailed electoral roadmap ahead of the 2027 General Election, setting out major deadlines and activities that political parties, public officers, and aspiring candidates must meet before Kenyans head to the polls.
According to the commission, the next General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2027, with preparations expected to begin months in advance to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
Roadmap Designed to Strengthen Electoral Preparedness
The timelines are contained in the Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025–2027, a framework developed under the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029.
Speaking during the launch of the plan, Election Operations Committee Chairperson Ann Nderitu said the roadmap is intended to guide the planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of election activities while promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation.
She noted that the framework will help the commission meet legal requirements and improve institutional readiness ahead of the highly anticipated polls.
Public Officers Required to Resign by February 2027
Under the electoral calendar, public officers intending to vie for elective positions will be required to resign from their positions by February 9, 2027, exactly six months before Election Day.
The commission indicated that this deadline is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws governing participation in political contests by public servants.
Political Parties Given March Deadline
Political parties seeking to participate in the election will be required to submit their membership registers to IEBC by March 16, 2027.
By the same date, parties must also provide the commission with details of aspirants seeking nomination through party primaries, including the dates and venues where the nomination exercises will be conducted.
The move is expected to allow the commission sufficient time to verify party records and coordinate the nomination process.
Party Primaries and Candidate Nominations
IEBC has set May 9, 2027, as the deadline for political parties to conclude their nomination exercises and resolve any disputes arising from the primaries.
Independent candidates will also be required to have formally resigned from political parties and submitted their names and symbols to the commission by the same date.
Official candidate nominations for both party-sponsored and independent candidates will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027.
Candidates will be required to personally submit their nomination papers to the IEBC Chairperson at designated venues during the nomination period.
Campaigns to End 48 Hours Before Voting
The commission announced that the official campaign period will run from May 29, 2027, to August 7, 2027.
In line with electoral laws, all campaigns must cease 48 hours before polling day.
IEBC says the Election Operations Plan provides a structured framework that will help deliver a credible, transparent, and efficient electoral process as the country prepares for another democratic transition in 2027.
 has released a comprehensive roadmap for the 2027 General Election, outlining critical deadlines for public officers, political parties, and candidates.){kind=link}