• In 2017, eight out of 12 candidates who had shown interest were given the go-ahead to run.
Availing copies of national IDs from at least 2,000 supporters from half of the counties could be a major hurdle for the 44 independent aspirants cleared to run for president.
Each candidate must deliver the documents to the electoral agency before they are formally registered as presidential candidates.
Earlier attempts by a group of independent candidates to have IEBC stopped from compelling them to submit photocopies of IDs through a court case were last week thwarted.
Justice Antony Mrima said suspending the guidelines would lead to a constitutional crisis.
“It is the duty of the court to avoid a constitutional crisis, in this matter public interest tilt in favour of the respondents,” Mrima said.
In 2017, eight out of 12 candidates who had shown interest were given the go-ahead to run.
With the office of the Registrar of Political Parties having cleared 44 people to contest as independent candidates, the focus now shifts to the IEBC as it begins a marathon vetting process.
Deputy President William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza and Raila Odinga of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance are the main presidential candidates.
Safina's Jimi Wanjigi is also in the race.
Among those cleared as independents are seasoned politicians including Nixon Kukubo and Begum Nazlin Umar.
Gospel artist Reuben Kigame and Nairobi-based lawyer Kiprono Felix are also in the independent pool.
Jeremiah John Mwaniki Nyaga, the son of former minister Joe Nyaga, is another applicant eyeing the top county seat as an independent.
Others are Kinyanjui Edward Njenga, Otieno Duncan Oduor, Irungu James Kamau, Aoko Benard Ong'ir, Munga David Chome, Kariara Eliud Muthiora and Ouma Pigbin Odimwengu.
Wanyanga Geoffrey Ndung'u, Awuonda Brian Oluoch, Kihuha Esther Waringa, Ngigi Faith Wairimu, King'ori Patrick Kariuki, Ng'ang'a Gibson Ngaruiya, Katoni Benjamin Kevin Ndambuki, Odhiambo Kevin Onyango are also in the race.
Others are Joe Stanley Kamau B, Githii David Muhia, Kathae Peter Ndonga, Mbugua Benson Mwaura, Mwarania Paul Muriungi, Nyagoko Jacob Oanda, Wanjigi Harrison Njoroge, Nzano Jared Chula, Ngechu Moses Gichuki, Gichira Ptah Solomuzi, Nyangori Dorothy Kemunto, and Ng'ani Victor Obote.
The Registrar of political parties has also cleared Mukenda Jeremiah Simiyu, Kamau George Munyottah, Masira Erastus Nyamera, Oganga Stephen Owoko, Obunga Bernard Neto, Nzamalu Samuel Mwangangi, Mbugua Zablon Karanja, Koue Grita Muthoni, Kagumba Samuel Kiambati, Ojijo Ogillo Mark Pascal, Waweru Joseph Mbugua and Munyeki June Juliet.
While the candidates may have just been cleared on the basis they are not members of any registered political party, they will have to wait for the final approval from the IEBC before beginning their campaigns.
The electoral agency is expected to gazette the names of the candidates before May 29, which is the official date when the campaigns are set to start.
On April 28, the IEBC received a list of nominees from various parties which concluded their primaries.
The IEBC has also set minimum requirements for each of the 44 individuals.
They must have an electronic and a printed copy of a list of at least 2,000 supporters from each of the majority of the counties and a duly filled form of intention to contest as prescribed by the commission.
A symbol the candidate intends to use during the election and which has been approved by the ORPP is also required.
Individuals are required to establish and maintain a functioning office in the respective electoral area where the candidate is contesting.
They must be available for inspection by the commission at least 45 days before the election with the address, including the physical address of the office.