IEBC Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany says Sh61 billion is required for the 2027 General Election, with pending bills at Sh3 billion. He adds that 45,325 KIEMS kits will be replaced.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will require Sh61 billion to conduct the 2027 General Election, according to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Obadiah Keitany.
Speaking on Tuesday, Keitany revealed that the commission is also grappling with Sh3 billion in pending bills that need to be cleared.
Keitany further disclosed that the IEBC plans to replace 45,325 Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits ahead of the polls.
The replacement of the kits, which are critical for voter identification and result transmission, is part of the commission’s preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process in 2027.
More details on the budget allocation and timelines for settling the outstanding bills are yet to be provided as the IEBC continues its planning for the upcoming general election.
Netizens were not satisfied with the cost of conducting general elections, with some saying:
‘As usual, the most expensive and ineffective elections anywhere on the planet. It would be interesting to find out how much recent elections in Germany cost.’
‘That’s a massive budget—Kenyans deserve transparency on how every shilling will be spent. With electoral integrity at stake, will there be accountability for past procurement issues, or is this another blank check for inefficiency?’
‘Outright robbery with violence. All along, IEBC budgetary allocations have been humongous. Interestingly, pending bills have always been there. Radical surgery is needed in this otherwise corrupted system.’
