The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya is facing a significant cash crisis as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), the commission has a Sh4.7 billion funding shortfall for electoral technology, which is crucial for the acquisition of KIEMS kits and other critical preparations. This shortage may hinder the commission's ability to adequately prepare for the upcoming elections.
The funding shortfall is part of a wider Sh23.7 billion gap facing IEBC in the current financial year. The commission required Sh48.7 billion for election preparations but was allocated only Sh25 billion, representing 51 per cent of its requirement. This deficit affects almost every major area of election preparedness, including voter registration, electoral operations, and general administration.
The PBO has expressed concerns that the shortfall will adversely impact ICT interventions, particularly the acquisition and replacement of KIEMS kits, which are integral to voter identification, verification, and results transmission. The commission had requested Sh9.4 billion for information and communication technology in the 2026/27 financial year but was allocated only Sh4.7 billion, leaving a 50 per cent funding gap.
The IEBC is expected to undertake several key tasks before the election, including continuous voter registration, procurement for the 2027 election, purchase of poll ICT systems, and implementation of legal reforms. With about 11 months left to complete these tasks, the commission faces a tight deadline. The PBO has warned that delays in these preparations may have significant consequences for the election process.
The voter register is projected to grow from 22.1 million voters to about 28.5 million by 2027, an increase of 6.4 million voters. The IEBC is also expanding voter registration for Kenyans living abroad from 12 to 26 countries. As of August 2026, the commission had registered 2.9 million eligible voters, representing 45 per cent of its projected target.
In addition to the technology funding gap, the IEBC is dealing with a Sh5.6 billion backlog in pending bills, largely arising from legal fees and election logistics. The PBO has cautioned that these outstanding obligations may constrain the commission's finances and slow the implementation of election preparations. The office has urged Parliament to address the financial bottlenecks and ensure timely electoral reforms.
The PBO has recommended that Parliament ensure the funding gaps are addressed alongside timely electoral reforms. The office wants outstanding legislative and regulatory changes finalised before the end of the 2026/27 financial year. This, according to the PBO, will provide certainty to stakeholders, facilitate effective planning and implementation, and minimise the risk of litigation and operational disruptions during the electoral cycle.
Key points
- The IEBC faces a Sh4.7 billion funding shortfall for electoral technology ahead of the 2027 General Election.
