IEBC declares preparedness for November 27 mini-polls as Treasury releases funds
Ethekon added that discussions also covered preparations for the 2027 general election, voter registration exercises, and the upcoming campaign launch.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared that it is fully ready to conduct the November 27, 2025, by-elections, assuring Kenyans that all necessary resources have been made available.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with representatives of 91 political parties at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos County on Saturday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the engagement with the National Treasury had been “very candid, honest, and fruitful,” resulting in the release of funds for the mini-polls.
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"We would like to assure the country and the citizens of this beautiful republic of Kenya that all preparations are the top gear and the resources that we were looking for to conduct a successful by-election are now available to us," stated Ethekon.
"Where there were shortages, we've had very candid and honest and fruitful discussions with our National Treasury, who have since then unlocked that, and therefore there's no reason whatsoever why we should not have the by-elections as planned," he added.
During the meeting, the IEBC, the Political Parties Liaison Committee, and the Registrar of Political Parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to guide joint engagements and consultations ahead of the polls.
Ethekon added that discussions also covered preparations for the 2027 general election, voter registration exercises, and the upcoming campaign launch.
"We have discussed a number of issues on our levels of preparedness not only for the 2027 general election but also for the by-elections and the voter registration exercises and campaign that we are launching next week, beginning on Monday, September 29."
Appearing before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee for the first time since assuming office, Ethekon revealed that the commission will spend Sh1 billion to conduct the by-elections. He disclosed funding gaps that could put eight contests at risk.
“We had a budget for 16 of them. We are engaging in a back and forth with Treasury to provide us with the Sh258 million for the 8 by-elections," he said.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan confirmed that of the 24 by-elections, 16 are funded.
“We have 24 by-elections. 16 are funded. The budget given so far is Sh788 million. We are short by Sh258 million. Total required budget is Sh1.046 billion to conduct the by-election," stated Marjan.
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