IEBC says Sh61.7 billion required for 2027 polls with 14 by-elections yet to be held
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has told Parliament that it requires Sh61.7 billion to fund the 2027 general election.
Speaking before lawmakers on Tuesday, IEBC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Obadiah Keitany said the budget includes Sh7 billion for boundary delimitation – though the process remains on hold pending a court advisory.
More To Read
- New Bill seeks to freeze government spending, hiring before elections
- Former DP Gachagua accuses Ruto of intentionally sabotaging reconstitution of IEBC ahead of 2027 polls
- Over half of Kenyans lack confidence in IEBC, Infotrak survey shows
- Infotrak: Many Kenyans feel elections are rigged in favour of gov't-backed candidates
He noted that the commission anticipates registering an additional 5.7 million voters, bringing the total to 28 million by 2027.
He also noted that 14 by-elections which are yet to be conducted require an estimated budget of Sh480 million.
At the same time, the IEBC highlighted the urgent need to replace 45,352 Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, which are used for biometric voter identification and verification.
“There will be a total replacement of 45,352 KIEMS kits, except for the 14,000 purchased in 2022. In total, 59,352 kits are required,” IEBC Finance Director Osman Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim explained that the kits, which have a lifespan of 10 years, would cost approximately Sh7 billion to replace, with each unit priced at Sh65,000.
The commission added that it has outstanding bills amounting to Sh3.8 billion.
IEBC also admitted that no new voter registration has taken place since 2022 due to a lack of funds and the absence of commissioners. The IEBC has been without commissioners since the last remaining officials exited in 2023, and a selection panel is currently in the process of recruiting a new chairperson and commission members.
Kenya’s 2022 general election had 22,120,258 registered voters and was among the most expensive in the world, costing Sh44.6 billion.
IEBC stressed the need for timely and sufficient funding to ensure thorough preparations for the 2027 elections.
The commission said adequate resources are crucial for technological upgrades, voter education, and the completion of outstanding electoral activities.
Top Stories Today
