IEBC Faces Funding Gap as It Prepares for 24 By-Elections

By Andrew Mbuva 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has admitted to grappling with financial and logistical hurdles as it readies for 24 upcoming by-elections, even as it seeks to rebuild public confidence in its operations.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), IEBC officials disclosed that while 16 by-elections have been funded at a cost of KShs. 788 million, eight others remain unfunded due to a shortfall of KShs. 238 million. The total budgetary requirement stands at KShs. 1.046 billion.

The PAC, chaired by Butere MP Hon. Tindi Mwale, had summoned the Commission to respond to audit queries raised by the Auditor-General for the financial year ending June 2023.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, accompanied by CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany, and other senior officials, painted a picture of an institution pressed by resource constraints and procurement delays, yet determined to deliver credible polls.

“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 urgently unlock additional resources,” said CEO Marjan.

The Commission also cited delays arising from the government’s electronic procurement system (e-GP). “We’ve not procured any election materials yet, but staff have now been trained and procurement can begin, albeit with some delays,” Marjan added.

Ethekon announced November 27 as the date for all pending by-elections, including Banissa Constituency, which has been unrepresented for more than two years. He stressed that the Commission requires adequate time for recruiting polling clerks, procuring materials, and training officials.

Meanwhile, IEBC will resume continuous voter registration on September 29, targeting 6.3 million new voters—70 percent of them youth. Registration desks will be set up at constituency offices, 57 Huduma Centres, and diaspora locations.

On boundary review, Ethekon confirmed receipt of an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court, though the Commission is still studying the legal and financial implications. MPs urged speed, with Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow decrying underrepresentation in his vast constituency.

Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo warned of rising political tensions ahead of 2027, while Ethekon appealed for restraint: “IEBC alone cannot prevent violence. Politicians, media, and society must also play their part.”