The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concerns that insufficient funding may compromise the smooth conduct of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections. Speaking in an interview with KBC on Tuesday, November 18, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon revealed that despite requesting a budget of Ksh61 billion, Parliament reduced the allocation, which could hinder the commission’s preparations.
Ethekon noted that more than half of the election budget about 53 percent is allocated to deploying officers at polling stations and the national tallying centre. During the 2022 General Elections, IEBC deployed over 500,000 staff members to oversee the process. Reducing the budget, he warned, may force the commission to cut staff, affecting operations at critical points.
The commission’s reliance on technology also makes adequate funding crucial. IEBC’s Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) incorporates Biometric Voter Registration (BVR), Electronic Voter Identification (EVID), and the Electronic Results Transmission System (ERTS). Ethekon emphasized that older election kits have become obsolete, and new, advanced technology is required to ensure efficient operations.
“Reducing the resources we need will definitely have a big impact on the elections. A huge part of the budget is dedicated to personnel deployment, and any cut will affect the level of deployment,” Ethekon said.
The chairperson further highlighted that recent legal changes transferring prosecution powers for electoral offenses from IEBC to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) could reduce public confidence. Previously, the commission handled prosecutions directly, ensuring accountability. Now, with many cases unresolved, Kenyans may perceive impunity in the electoral process.
Preparations for the 2027 elections are already underway, including Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). Kenyans are encouraged to visit IEBC offices to register, except in areas where by-elections are scheduled for November 27.
With technology upgrades and adequate staffing critical for free, fair, and credible elections, IEBC warns that budget cuts could undermine these efforts, affecting the overall integrity of Kenya’s 2027 polls.
