University of Nairobi Professor Reveals Cost of Running for Presidency in Kenya

University of Nairobi Professor Reveals Cost of Running for Presidency in Kenya

University of Nairobi’s Institute for Development Studies Research Professor, Karuti Kanyinga, has revealed the staggering cost of mounting a formidable presidential campaign in Kenya. Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of a study on the Political Participation of Women in the Political Economy in Nairobi, Kanyinga said it takes up to Sh14 billion to compete effectively for the country’s top seat.

“Running for the presidency in Kenya does not cost less than Sh14 billion, especially in the last three days leading to the election,” he said.

According to Kanyinga, the high cost is largely driven by the need for nationwide campaign activities. “Candidates must traverse all 47 counties—preferably all 290 constituencies—and be visible in nearly every ward,” he explained.

He added that mobilisation efforts are particularly expensive due to the logistics of holding rallies, producing branded merchandise like shirts, caps, and umbrellas, and distributing money to supporters.

Kanyinga noted that expenses peak in the final stretch before election day. “The three days before the election and the voting day itself demand the most resources,” he said, citing the high cost of hiring and facilitating agents across the country.

He also pointed to a broader structural issue: the lack of trust in Kenya’s electoral system. “Because we don’t trust each other, we go to great lengths to make the process appear transparent. We end up spending enormous amounts on things like secure ballot papers and related logistics,” he said.

In contrast, he noted that in countries with higher levels of trust in the electoral process, campaigns cost significantly less. “The more distrust in the electioneering process, the more money is spent,” he concluded.