IEBC stuggles with budget cuts

With just a week to go before the 27 November by‑elections, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it has a deficit of Sh1 billion.

The commision has warned that budget cuts may undermine critical preparations, including technology upgrades, voter registration, and personnel deployment.

IEBC Chair Erastus Edung Ethekon revealed on Tuesday that the commission still needs Sh 1 billion more to fully fund logistics, staffing and materials.

To plug the gap, IEBC is engaging development partners to support its civic‑education campaign, emphasizing transparency in how funds are used.

“Our budget is public; our plans are shared with stakeholders,” Mr Ethekon reassured.

The commission’s original request for Sh 61.7 billion was slashed to Sh57.3 billion following discussions with the National Treasury.

He warned that the reduced funds may limit IEBC’s ability to staff polling stations, update electoral technology, and conduct much-needed voter education.

Speaking during an interview with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation,  he said the commission plans to replace its ageing KIEMS – Kenya Integrated Election Management System kits, which capture biometric voter data.

Mr Ethekon said many of the current devices are obsolete.

Procuring new kits, he added, is expensive, but essential for maintaining election integrity.

He also flagged a likely shortfall in the number of temporary staff.

IEBC traditionally employs tens of thousands of workers, from presiding officers to clerks, during election cycles.

“Reducing the resources … will have major implications,” Mr Ethekon said.

On voter registration, IEBC is advocating for “continuous voter registration” to eventually register 6.3 million new voters by the 2027 general election.

"Achieving this goal will require thousands of new clerks, expanded registration centres, and considerable outreach," he said.