NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has warned that a Sh33.4 billion funding gap could derail preparations for the 2027 General Election and upcoming by-elections, raising concerns over its ability to fully implement the country’s electoral roadmap.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, the commission disclosed that it requires Sh74.8 billion to effectively conduct the 2027 polls and manage related electoral activities, but has so far only received Sh41.3 billion.
IEBC Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany told lawmakers the shortfall threatens critical election operations, including voter registration, procurement of election technology and expansion of polling infrastructure ahead of the next General Election.
Among the major cost drivers is the replacement of 45,352 KIEMS kits estimated at about Sh7 billion, alongside plans to increase polling stations from 46,229 in 2022 to 55,393 by 2027 to cater for a growing electorate.
The commission is also targeting the registration of 6.3 million new voters — most of them youth — with projections showing the voter register could rise to nearly 28 million voters by 2027.
In addition, the IEBC is grappling with approximately Sh3.8 billion in pending bills carried over from previous electoral cycles.
The commission maintained that the requested funding is essential to guarantee a free, fair and credible election, while also supporting planned by-elections and other electoral processes leading up to 2027.
