Why election hopefuls could soon pay IEBC nomination fees via Mpesa

Election hopefuls could soon pay their nomination fees through a Paybill number if proposals by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) are adopted ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The committee is proposing that the commission introduce additional payment options, including a dedicated Paybill number, to make it easier and more convenient for candidates to settle their statutory nomination fees.

"The Commission should consider adopting other modes of payment of nomination fees, including the use of a Paybill number specifically for the registration of candidates, to enable them to pay their nomination fees conveniently," the committee recommended.

Currently, aspiring candidates are required to pay their nomination fees using a banker's cheque drawn from a licensed commercial bank and made payable to the IEBC.

A banker's cheque, also known as a bank draft, is a guaranteed payment instrument issued by a bank on behalf of a customer. The bank deducts the funds from the customer's account before issuing the cheque, guaranteeing payment to the recipient.

The physical banker's cheque must be presented to the IEBC Returning Officer at the designated nomination centre alongside other mandatory clearance documents. Once the payment is verified, the commission issues an official receipt as proof that the candidate has met the statutory payment requirement.

Under the current system, cash payments, mobile money transfers and personal or corporate cheques are not accepted, a measure designed to reduce fraud.

The committee, however, believes introducing alternative payment methods would simplify the nomination process while maintaining accountability.

IEBC statutory nomination fee is the responsibility of the individual candidate.

Although political parties may support candidates through campaign financing, the legal obligation to pay the nomination fee rests with the individual seeking elective office.

As a result, candidates must personally present their banker's cheque to the designated IEBC Returning Officer during nomination. The official receipt issued by the commission is also generated in the candidate's name as proof that they have fulfilled the statutory payment requirement.

Currently, candidates seeking the presidency pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Sh200,000, while governors and senators pay Sh50,000 each.

Those vying for National Assembly seats, including Woman Representative, pay Sh20,000, while MCA candidates pay Sh5,000. The fees are, however, halved for youth, women and persons with disabilities.