IEBC faces Sh22 billion crunch ahead of 2027 elections

The commission disclosed to the National Assembly during its fourth retreat in Naivasha that the funding gap could severely hamper seven essential operations, including voter education and civic awareness for special interest groups, legal and regulatory reforms, communication strategies to counter misinformation, stakeholder engagement and dispute prevention, election security preparedness, staff training and logistics, and procurement of election materials.

Budget Requirements and Infrastructure Needs

IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan Ethekon told lawmakers the commission requires Sh63 billion to conduct credible elections, citing projected voter population growth and necessary expansion of electoral infrastructure. The budget accounts for technology and systems requirements, election security needs, constitutional inclusion obligations, and lessons learned from previous electoral cycles.

“While the commission recognizes the broader fiscal constraints facing the government, this gap significantly limits preparations at a critical stage and may affect compliance with constitutional timelines and standards,” Ethekon said.

He emphasized that electoral legitimacy extends beyond polling day, depending on the entire process including legal preparedness, voter education, stakeholder engagement, security coordination and post-election accountability. The current funding gap, he warned, hampers the commission’s ability to implement these interconnected activities effectively.

Mounting Debt from Previous Elections

The commission faces an additional crisis with Sh4.9 billion in pending bills from the 2022 elections. Ethekon said all required documentation has been submitted to the Pending Bills Verification Committee, but the commission awaits guidance on settlement.

The unpaid obligations have created significant operational challenges, including supplier reluctance, increased procurement costs, erosion of institutional credibility, reduced operational flexibility and financial dependence. Ethekon warned that failure to settle the bills could compromise the commission’s ability to procure election materials for 2027.

“Adequate, timely and predictable funding for the commission should be viewed not merely as expenditure, but as a strategic investment in national stability and democratic continuity,” he told lawmakers.

Critical Role of Public Engagement

The commission stressed that stakeholder engagement remains vital throughout the electoral cycle, helping access expertise and resources, gather feedback to improve transparency and address public concerns on key processes.

For 2027, Ethekon said the commission will focus on outreach, sensitization and education activities to promote informed, inclusive and ethical citizen participation. The strategy aims to encourage value-based and people-centered politics while fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence after elections.

The strategic plan prioritizes reviewing experiences of voters, candidates, officials and political parties to ensure continuous improvement in electoral governance — activities that require adequate funding to implement effectively.

“Stakeholder engagement is not just a process; it is the lifeblood of credible elections,” Ethekon said. “Together, through collaboration and shared responsibility, we can deliver elections that inspire trust, uphold democracy and strengthen our nation.”

The commission’s concerns come as Kenya prepares for what observers consider a critical electoral test. The 2027 polls will mark the country’s fourth general election under the 2010 Constitution, which established stringent requirements for electoral management.

The IEBC’s warnings reflect broader challenges facing Kenya’s public institutions as the government balances competing priorities amid economic pressures. Election observers emphasize that adequate electoral funding represents a fundamental investment in democratic stability.