IEBC Drops Shocking Ksh61 Billion Bombshell for 2027 Elections – Kenyans to Foot the Bill
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced on Tuesday, February 25, that the 2027 General Elections will require Ksh61 billion for funding.
Speaking to a National Assembly Committee, the IEBC’s Deputy CEO, Obadiah Keitany, confirmed this amount and stated that the commission plans to register 5.7 million more voters. If this goal is met, the total number of registered voters in the 2027 election will be 28 million.
“The commission expects to add 5.7 million new voters, bringing the total to 28 million for the 2027 elections,” Keitany said.
The funds will cover multiple election-related expenses, such as setting new electoral boundaries, replacing election equipment, paying staff allowances, transporting ballot papers, and handling other necessary costs.
Regarding boundary delimitation, Keitany informed the committee that Ksh7 billion had been allocated for the process. However, he pointed out that the commission was waiting for legal advice before proceeding.
IEBC Finance Director Osman Ibrahim also explained that the commission needs to replace 45,352 Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits. These devices are essential for recording voters’ fingerprints, facial images, and other civil details electronically.
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“A total of 45,352 KIEMS kits will be replaced, except for the 14,000 purchased in 2022. In total, 59,352 kits are needed,” said Ibrahim.
He further explained that KIEMS kits have a lifespan of 10 years, after which they become outdated. Replacing them will cost around Ksh7 billion, as each unit costs Ksh65,000.
In addition to the main elections, the IEBC noted that 14 by-elections are still pending. These will require Ksh480 million to conduct.
The Ksh61 billion budget for 2027 is significantly higher than the amount spent on the 2022 elections, which cost Ksh44.6 billion and were considered the most expensive elections in the world at the time. During that election, 22,120,258 voters participated.
To access the required funds, the IEBC must obtain Parliament’s approval. However, the commission is still awaiting the appointment of new commissioners, which is the last major challenge before preparations for the elections can begin.
President William Ruto recently gave his approval for the IEBC reconstitution panel. This decision came after a prolonged legal dispute that had delayed the process. With his approval, the panel members can now be sworn in and start selecting new IEBC commissioners.
IEBC Drops Shocking Ksh61 Billion Bombshell for 2027 Elections – Kenyans to Foot the Bill
