IEBC budget increased to Sh9.63 billion to prepare for 2027 polls

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to receive a substantial funding boost as part of the government’s allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year, which will enhance its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

The commission’s recurrent expenditure has been increased by Sh5.78 billion, bringing the total allocation to Sh9.63 billion, a significant increase from the Sh3.85 billion allocated in the previous year.

The increased funding is part of a broader government strategy to ensure that the IEBC is well-prepared for the upcoming elections.

A large portion of the funds, Sh3.35 billion has been designated for general administration, planning, and support services, while Sh3.3 billion will be directed toward voter registration and electoral operations.

Electoral Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has also received a considerable boost in funding, with Sh2.35 billion allocated to modernize systems and infrastructure. This is an increase from the Sh425.5 million allocated in the previous fiscal year.

The additional funding aims to support the development and maintenance of a robust and secure electoral system, a critical component in ensuring the integrity of the 2027 elections.

Voter education and partnerships will also benefit from the increased allocation, with Sh538.7 million set aside for these programs, compared to just Sh36 million in the current financial year. The aim is to engage and educate voters across the country to ensure active participation in the electoral process.

A crucial aspect of the 2025/2026 budget is the allocation for the long-delayed boundary delimitation exercise. The IEBC has been allocated Sh46.5 million for this exercise, which is mandated by the Constitution, but has faced delays due to various challenges, including leadership changes at the commission.

The boundary review, last conducted in 2012, is crucial to ensure equitable representation of constituencies in the upcoming elections.

The deadline for completing the boundary review has passed, with the March 2024 deadline having already elapsed. However, the commission’s new leadership, once appointed, is expected to prioritize this exercise as part of their responsibilities. The allocation for the boundary review is expected to rise in the coming years, with Sh46.6 million allocated for the 2026/2027 financial year and Sh107.2 million projected for 2027/2028.

The commission’s ability to execute these vital activities has been hindered in recent years by a lack of commissioners following the exit of former Chairman Wafula Chebukati and other commissioners. The leadership crisis left the IEBC without a full complement of members since January 2023.

However, with the appointment of new commissioners expected soon, the commission is hopeful that the new team will be able to implement the electoral reforms and preparations required for the 2027 elections.

Overall, the funding increase reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the IEBC is well-equipped to manage the upcoming elections. The government has pledged to continue increasing funding for the commission, with projections indicating an allocation of Sh19.5 billion in 2026/2027 and Sh34.9 billion in 2027/2028.

Despite the financial challenges faced by the IEBC in recent years, including delays in the disbursement of funds and the impact of austerity measures, the commission managed to successfully conduct the 2022 general elections. These elections included the presidential election, parliamentary elections, and county elections, as well as by-elections for various seats.

“During the same period, the Commission successfully conducted the 2022 General Elections, which included the election of the President, 290 Members of the National Assembly, 1,448 Members of County Assembly, 47 County Governors, 47 Senators, and 47 County Women Members of the National Assembly. Additionally, the Commission facilitated by-elections for 2 Senators and 8 Members of County Assembly, as well as the preparation of the draft strategic plan,” read part of the report presented by the Treasury.

However, the challenges of pending bills, delays in the reconstitution of the commission, and an unpredictable number of election petitions complicated the commission’s operations.

In light of these challenges, the IEBC has actively sought additional resources from the Treasury to ensure the timely execution of key electoral activities.