The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has admitted it is facing financial and logistical hurdles as it prepares for 24 by-elections across the country.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), IEBC officials said 16 by-elections have already been funded at Sh788 million, but eight others are yet to be covered due to a Sh238 million shortfall. The Commission requires a total of Sh1.046 billion to conduct all the polls.
PAC, chaired by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, had summoned the electoral body to respond to audit queries raised by the Auditor-General for the year ending June 2023.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany, and other senior officials told MPs the Commission is constrained by both funding gaps and delays caused by the government’s electronic procurement system (e-GP).
“We are carrying out all the by-elections, but some were identified later after funding for the initial 16 had already been approved. We are engaging the National Treasury to unlock additional resources urgently for the remaining eight,” said CEO Marjan.
On procurement challenges, Marjan noted: “We’ve not procured any election materials yet because we must comply with e-GP, but we have trained staff and can now begin procurement, albeit with some delays.”
Ethekon announced that all pending by-elections, including Banissa Constituency which has lacked representation for more than two years, will be held on November 27. He stressed that the process involves hiring clerks, procuring materials, and training officials.
“That is why we set November 27 as the date, believing it provides sufficient time—provided resources are availed. Kenyans will witness credible by-elections, which will also serve as a vital test ahead of the 2027 General Election,” said Ethekon.
The Commission also revealed it will resume continuous voter registration on September 29, targeting 6.3 million new voters, with 70 percent expected to be youth. Registration will take place at constituency offices, 57 Huduma Centres, and in diaspora locations.
On the voter register, Ethekon said a fresh roll will be generated from the new data, with deceased voters removed and the register subjected to an audit.
IEBC also confirmed receiving an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court on constituency boundary review but said it is still studying its implications.
Lawmakers stressed the need for timely preparations. Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow raised concerns over underrepresentation in his 22,000-square-kilometre constituency, while Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo warned of rising political tensions ahead of 2027.
“Election violence can plunge this country into chaos. These by-elections must show that political violence can be contained,” said Dr. Oundo.
In response, Ethekon called for collective responsibility: “IEBC alone cannot prevent violence. Politicians, media, and society must also play their part.”
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