Contestants in the 2017 general election
have been asked to reveal their sources of campaign funds to improve public trust and encourage democracy.
Unchecked funding, as opposed to a transparent and credible system, undermines democracy as campaign financiers lay claim to political power,
the International Center for Policy and Conflict has said.
"If the political process is tainted by whatever means from the start, ultimately, governance will be tainted and individual interests will take precedence over the collective interest," executive director Ndung'u Wainaina said.
"Free and fair elections bolster democracy and ensure public trust in governance, demonstrating that elected leaders are responsible to their constituents and not to the highest bidder."
Wainaina added that the revelation would facilitate the enforcement of regulations, increase accountability, control corruption and ensure public policy decisions are not based on "who gave the biggest cheque".
In a statement on Friday, he further said the disclosure of sources of campaign funds would help curb
the tide of money laundering and circulation of tainted money
Wainaina urged the IEBC to come up with regulations that require political parties or coalitions and election candidates to disclose their campaign finance sources.
"According to the Constitution, IEBC has all the superintendence, direction and control of conduct of all elections and referenda that meet highest standards of integrity, credibility, impartiality and transparency," he said.
He recommended that candidates submit two financial reports of their campaign funds; five days before election and within five days after elections results are fully gazetted.
The reports must be open to public and independent state institutions scrutiny, he said.