In Kenya, governors lead county governments, serving as key figures in regional administration. The eligibility criteria for governors also apply to deputy governors, ensuring both roles are held by qualified individuals. Governors may serve a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms. Below is a clear outline of the qualifications and requirements for candidates aspiring to these positions.
Qualifications for Candidates
To be eligible for the role of governor or deputy governor in Kenya, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kenyan citizen by birth.
- Be a registered voter in Kenya.
- Not owe allegiance to any foreign state.
- Meet the eligibility requirements to stand for election as a Member of Parliament.
- Hold a degree from a university recognized in Kenya.
- Be nominated by a registered political party or run as an independent candidate.
- Not hold any public office or act in any state office, except for the roles of President, Deputy President, or Member of Parliament.
- Comply with the moral and ethical standards outlined in the Leadership and Integrity Act.
- Not hold dual citizenship, unless the additional citizenship was acquired by operation of law without the option to opt out.
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
- Not be deemed of unsound mind.
- Not be serving a prison sentence of six months or more as of the candidate registration or election date.
- Not have been found guilty of abusing or misusing a state or public office or violating Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution.
- Not have been dismissed or removed from public office for breaching Articles 75, 76, 77, or 78 of the Constitution.
Documentation and Submission Requirements
Candidates must submit the following documents to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during the nomination process:
- Certified copies of educational certificates, including a degree certificate, as required by Section 22 of the Elections Act, 2011, and Regulation 47 of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012.
- A copy of a National ID or valid passport used to register as a voter.
- A passport-sized photograph with a white background, provided in both hard and soft copies.
- For party candidates, a nomination certificate from a fully registered political party, signed and dated by an authorized party official.
- A signed and dated Code of Conduct, as outlined in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011.
- A completed Commission Nomination Form, including an original Statutory Declaration Form (Regulation 18(3)) and an original Self-Declaration Form (Regulation 46 of Elections (General) Regulations, 2012).
- An electronic and printed list of at least 2,000 supporters from a majority of Kenya’s counties, submitted in the prescribed form.
- Nomination fees, payable via banker’s cheque to the IEBC: Kshs. 20,000 for standard candidates, or Kshs. 10,000 for candidates who are youth, women, or persons with disabilities.
Additional Requirements for Independent Candidates
Independent candidates must fulfill the following additional requirements:
- Obtain a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties, confirming they have not been a member of any political party for at least three months prior to the election, as per Regulation 15(a) of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012.
- Submit an electronic and printed list of at least 2,000 supporters from a majority of counties, in the format prescribed by the IEBC.
- Complete a Form of Intention to Contest, as provided by the IEBC.
- Propose a symbol for use during the election, approved by the IEBC at least 21 days before nomination day.
- Establish and maintain a functional office in the electoral area where they are contesting, available for IEBC inspection at least 45 days before the election. The office’s physical address must be communicated to the commission.
This comprehensive framework ensures that candidates for governor and deputy governor are well-qualified and committed to serving Kenya’s counties with integrity and accountability.
READ MORE: List of County Codes in Kenya
