Breakdown of Sh61B IEBC Budget for 2027 Elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed an estimated budget of Sh61 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections in Kenya. This budget, which could prove to be the most expensive election yet, is planned to be spread across three financial years: 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28. The IEBC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Obadia Keitan, appeared before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to explain the breakdown of this massive budget.
Sh61 Billion Budget for the 2027 Elections
The proposed budget for the 2027 general elections includes significant investments in various election-related activities. The first phase, focusing on the 2025/26 financial year, is expected to require a Sh15 billion allocation to jump-start voter registration, procurement of election technology, and preparation for election materials. This step is crucial for the smooth functioning of the election process, which will involve the acquisition of both hardware and software technologies for the elections.
Keitan emphasized that this funding would enable the commission to begin the necessary preparations in time for the elections. “We are requesting that the funds be allocated in the 2025/2026 financial year to ensure we are ready for the elections, including the early procurement of election materials, technology, and voter registration,” said Keitan during his testimony.
Included in the Sh61 billion budget, Keitan outlined several key expenses, including the procurement of 45,000 new Kenya Integrated Election Management System (Kiems) kits, the total cost of which will amount to Sh7.04 billion. These kits are crucial for managing voter identification, and ensuring the credibility of the election process.
Voter Registration and Technology Upgrades
A significant part of the budget is allocated for voter registration and verification exercises, with Sh7 billion set aside for this purpose. The continuous voter registration process will span the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, ensuring that all eligible voters are captured in the electoral register. This budget also includes funds for the procurement of software and hardware required to keep the electoral system up to date.
The purchase of the necessary technology is not the only consideration for the IEBC. The commission also plans to spend Sh6 billion to procure ballot papers and Sh3.61 billion on other essential election materials. This includes voting booths, ballot boxes, and related equipment that will be used during the elections. Additionally, Sh3.2 billion is earmarked for engaging stakeholders throughout the election period, while Sh2.7 billion will go toward training election officials who will manage the voting process.
In addition, Sh2.6 billion will be used to upgrade and maintain election systems, ensuring that the technology used during the elections remains functional and secure. The transportation of election materials will also require Sh3.82 billion, while Sh1.2 billion is allocated for meals, Sh1.3 billion for purchasing motor vehicles for electoral operations, and Sh1.1 billion for legal petitions and risk management.
Addressing Key Issues: Voter Registration and Boundary Delimitation
Keitan also addressed some critical challenges faced by the IEBC. The commission has been unable to conduct continuous voter registration since the 2022 elections due to the lack of commissioners. This gap in leadership arose from the departure of former chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye in early 2023. Furthermore, the four other commissioners, including Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, were removed after they rejected the 2022 presidential election results.
The lack of commissioners has delayed some critical electoral processes, including continuous voter registration. When asked about this issue, Member of Parliament (MP) Otiende Amollo raised concerns regarding the policy decisions that led to the delay. “What policy decision informed this, and from who?” he questioned, highlighting the importance of adhering to the constitution, which mandates continuous voter registration.
In addition to the delays in voter registration, Keitan revealed that the IEBC had set aside Sh7 billion for the long-overdue boundaries review and delimitation process. This process is essential to ensure that constituencies and electoral boundaries are updated to reflect population changes. However, the commission is waiting for a court advisory before proceeding with this review.
Challenges with Kiems Kits and Election Materials
A significant portion of the committee’s discussion focused on the replacement of the Kiems kits, which are used to verify voter identification. Kibwezi West MP, Mwengi Mutuse, expressed his concerns about the need for replacing the kits, given that the ones used in the previous election were still functional. “Why would we be replacing the Kiems kits yet they are working?” he asked.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo also questioned the decision to replace the kits, arguing that they should last for much longer. “I am concerned about the (replacements) of Kiems kits. It can be 15 or 20 years as long as it works,” he noted, suggesting that the kits still met the required standards.
However, the IEBC’s deputy CEO, Ruth Kulundu, responded by explaining that the current Kiems kits would become obsolete by the time of the 2027 elections. “Any technology beyond 10 years is obsolete, and that is why we cannot use the kits for the 2027 general elections,” Kulundu clarified. The replacement cost includes the installation of new software and the procurement of licenses from technology providers.
Funding for By-Elections and Referendum Preparations
In addition to the budget for the 2027 elections, the IEBC has allocated Sh490 million to conduct 14 by-elections across the country. These by-elections are necessitated by the vacancies of four National Assembly seats, nine County Assembly Member (MCA) seats, and one Senate seat. This additional funding is needed to ensure that the election process is smooth and that no eligible voters are disenfranchised.
As the committee continued its discussions, MP Otiende Amollo raised questions about the preparedness of the IEBC for a potential referendum. He asked how long the commission would need to prepare for such a process and whether they were ready to handle it. Christine Owiye, the director of legal services at IEBC, responded that Parliament would first need to pass the referendum bill before any preparations could begin.
Conclusion: A Comprehensive Electoral Budget
The Sh61 billion budget proposed by the IEBC for the 2027 elections is a substantial investment in Kenya’s electoral process. From technology upgrades and voter registration to the procurement of election materials and the preparation for by-elections, the IEBC has outlined the key areas where the funds will be spent. While the budget raises important questions, such as the need for new Kiems kits and the delays in voter registration, it also reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and credible.
The IEBC’s preparations for the 2027 elections are a critical step in strengthening Kenya’s democratic processes. With adequate funding, proper planning, and effective leadership, the commission aims to deliver elections that will reflect the will of the people and enhance the integrity of the electoral system. As the election approaches, it will be crucial for the IEBC to address the concerns raised by lawmakers and ensure that the allocated funds are used efficiently to achieve these goals.
