The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that a university degree is not a requirement for candidates seeking to contest for president, governor or Member of Parliament in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Sunday, August 23, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the position follows court decisions that declared the degree requirement unconstitutional.
Nderitu noted that the court found that the degree requirement violated Article 27, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, and Article 10, which provides for public participation.
“Before the 2022 general election, there were some people who went to court, and they challenged the requirement for a degree for the president, Member of Parliament, and Governor.
“The determination of those cases was made after the election, and the verdict was that section 22B (1) of the Elections Act is unconstitutional,” she said.
The IEBC Commissioner noted that as the country heads into the 2027 General Election, there is no requirement for an aspirant to hold a university degree.
“As we start now, there is no requirement for a degree for anybody. That’s the situation we are in,” Nderitu said.
However, she stressed that the absence of a degree requirement does not mean there are no constitutional expectations regarding qualifications for elected leaders.
“The Constitution expected that there shall be registration by Parliament interpreting Article 99 that requires that there shall be education qualification, then put it into force that this is the qualification that will be required for every seat,” she said.
Further, Nderitu said the degree requirement could be introduced again, but only through a proper legislative process that allows Kenyans to participate and give their views.
“Unless maybe somebody goes to court or we start the process of public participation. The Constitution expects that there is some qualification,” Nderitu said.
