IEBC’s Sh3.8 billion pending bills raise concerns ahead of 2027 polls
Of the outstanding amount, Sh2.65 billion is for legal fees and Sh298 million for election logistics.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is under pressure as it deals with pending bills totaling Sh3.8 billion, a situation raising serious questions about its financial readiness for the 2027 General Election.
Of the outstanding amount, Sh2.65 billion is for legal fees and Sh298 million for election logistics. Parliament has demanded that the commission present detailed documents verifying these bills before approving any further funding.
Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chair Gitonga Murugara informed the Budget and Appropriation Committee that IEBC is requesting Sh9.6 billion for the 2025/2026 budget.
This includes Sh788 million for unresolved by-elections, Sh5.12 billion for election preparations, and Sh3.7 billion for routine operations.
"My committee, cognizant of its oversight mandate, has also directed the commission to submit primary documents in support of the pending bills, especially on the legal bills for consideration and scrutiny to ascertain whether the Auditor General should undertake a special audit," Murugara explained.
The move aims to enhance transparency and financial accountability.
In addition to the financial issues, IEBC plans to register 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 polls, adding to the current 22.1 million voters already registered.
The commission requires 59,352 election kits, with 55,393 for polling stations and 3,959 for training. It intends to replace 45,352 kits acquired in 2017, while reusing 14,000 kits bought in 2022.
The need to replace a large number of kits arises from the high costs IEBC incurred in the previous elections due to factors such as election result transmission, court orders mandating reprinting of ballot papers, losses from foreign exchange fluctuations, and urgent airlifting of election materials and personnel.
The committee also expressed concern over the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which has requested an additional Sh6.98 billion to cover shortfalls.
This includes Sh256.69 million for election preparations, Sh530.09 million for office programs, and Sh6.19 billion to support the Political Parties Fund. The funding gap threatens to undermine key activities vital for the upcoming election.
