IEBC: University degree not required for presidential, gubernatorial, or parliamentary candidates in 2027

IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu stated that the High Court declared the degree requirement unconstitutional, rendering it unenforceable. This legal position follows a court challenge initiated before the 2022 polls, which found Section 22B1 of the Elections Act unconstitutional. The court's decision was partly based on Articles 27 and 10 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, freedom from discrimination, and public participation.

Nderitu highlighted that only about 3.5% of Kenyans hold university degrees, and imposing such a requirement would be discriminatory, preventing the majority from seeking elective office. The court also noted that the process for introducing the degree requirement lacked proper public participation. While the court's decision does not permanently prevent educational qualifications for elective positions, any reintroduction would require a new legislative process with meaningful public participation.

Until such a process is completed, a university degree cannot be enforced as a qualification for these offices. Nderitu also touched on qualifications for Members of County Assembly MCAs, noting that while not directly covered by the court case, the ruling raises questions about differing academic standards for gover