The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised alarm over a Sh20 billion funding shortfall, warning that the deficit could jeopardize preparations for the 2027 General Election if not addressed in good time. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission is grappling with serious financial, legal, and logistical hurdles that threaten its ability to deliver a credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.
Funding Shortfall Poses Major Risk
Speaking on Tuesday, Ethekon revealed that the commission will formally seek additional funding from the National Treasury to bridge the gap.
We are facing a deficit of approximately Sh20 billion to conduct the next general election. We will be requesting these funds from the Treasury
Erastus Ethekon According to the chairperson, the shortfall arises from multiple operational needs, including the procurement of election materials, voter education programmes, recruitment and training of polling officials, and upgrades to electoral technology such as electronic voter identification systems.
Boundary Review and Legal Constraints Add Pressure
Ethekon noted that the IEBC is also undertaking boundary delimitation, a constitutionally mandated process that is being implemented in phases due to ongoing litigation and legal limitations. He warned that activities such as continuous voter registration, by-elections, and boundary reviews require significant financial and human resources.
Without sufficient funding, there is a real danger of operational delays that could undermine the integrity of the 2027 polls
Erastus Ethekon Census Disputes Complicate Preparations
The commission is further strained by unresolved legal disputes related to the 2019 national census, which affect population data used to determine electoral boundaries. These challenges, Ethekon said, have compounded both financial and logistical pressures on the electoral body. Despite these obstacles, the IEBC continues to manage ongoing electoral reforms, voter registration improvements, and several by-elections across the country.
Treasury Engagement Underway
Ethekon emphasized that securing additional funds is critical to meeting procurement timelines, training personnel, and deploying essential technology ahead of the polls. He confirmed that the commission has already held preliminary talks with the Treasury and expects to submit a formal funding request in the coming weeks.
Staffing and Outstanding Bills
Last week, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Implementation Oversight (CIOC), where he disclosed that Sh7.63 billion is required exclusively for staff salaries. The commission is also burdened by Sh5.75 billion in pending bills, largely stemming from legal fees incurred during past elections.
Commitment to Accountability
Ethekon reassured Kenyans that the IEBC remains committed to accountability and prudent use of public resources.
Every shilling will be accounted for. Our responsibility is to conduct elections that reflect constitutional values and democratic principles. Adequate funding is essential to achieving that mandate
Erastus Ethakon Political stakeholders and civil society groups have repeatedly stressed that timely and sufficient funding is critical to ensuring smooth election preparations, warning that delays could disrupt voter education efforts and polling staff recruitment key pillars of public trust in the electoral process.
