IEBC Estimates Sh700m Budget for November 27 By-Elections, Says Nderitu
Kenya’s electoral commission says the upcoming 22 by-elections will cost an estimated Sh700 million.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) stated that most of the funding will be used for the deployment and training of election officials, as well as the transport of staff and materials across the affected regions. According to Commissioner Ann Nderitu, these logistical requirements account for the largest share of the budget.
The commission must also navigate significant transport challenges. In counties such as Baringo, careful planning is required to move ballot papers and personnel efficiently. In remote areas, including Banisa in Wajir and parts of Turkana, the IEBC sometimes relies on air transport because road access is limited.
Nderitu said such arrangements are necessary to ensure materials arrive securely and on time. Electoral materials form another major cost component. Items such as ballot papers, seals, stamps and indelible ink must meet strict security standards. Nderitu noted that Kenyan ballot papers include more security features than currency notes, reflecting the commission’s aim to protect the integrity of the vote.
The IEBC has also invested in technology to support transparency. Systems for voter identification, ballot tracking and tally verification are part of the expenditure and are intended to make the process more reliable and easier to audit.
Nderitu contrasted Kenya’s model with that of countries like Sweden, where political parties distribute their own ballot papers and the electoral authority mainly supervises the process. She said Kenya’s commission carries wider responsibilities, including administering the election and safeguarding its credibility, which contributes to the higher costs.
