The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has suspended the tender for the supply and delivery of ballot papers and other critical election materials. This decision follows a request for review filed by an entity at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. The tender, which covers several key election materials, including ballot papers, tactile folders, the register of voters, and statutory election result declaration forms, has been put on hold until further notice.
The suspension of the tender has raised concerns about the commission's ability to prepare for the 2027 general election. The procurement of election materials is a critical part of the commission's preparations, and the suspension adds to a growing list of election-related procurement processes currently facing scrutiny or changes. The IEBC has previously stressed that timely procurement is essential, noting that election materials require extensive preparation, production, verification, transportation, and distribution well ahead of polling day.
The ballot papers tender is crucial for the 2027 general election, with Kenya requiring about 180 million ballot papers for the six elective positions. The estimated number of polling stations is expected to increase from over 46,000 in 2022 to about 55,000, while registered voters could reach 28.4 million. The commission must determine the exact quantities of ballot papers needed based on the number of registered voters and electoral areas across the country.
The IEBC has urged prospective bidders to stay alert for updates, advising them to regularly monitor the Public Procurement Information Portal and the Commission's website for any further updates or communication regarding the tender. However, the commission has not announced a new date for the tender proceedings to resume, leaving bidders in limbo.
Under procurement law, a request for review filed before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board can interrupt an ongoing procurement process while the dispute is under consideration. The IEBC has confirmed the halt in a statement, with Acting IEBC Commission Secretary and CEO Ruth Kulundu stating that proceedings for the tender have been suspended until further notice.
The suspension of the tender has significant implications for the 2027 general election, with the election being barely 10 months away. The IEBC requires sufficient time to produce and distribute election materials, and the suspension is likely to draw close attention. The commission will need to move quickly to secure the necessary materials and ensure a smooth electoral process.
The IEBC will need to address the concerns raised by the suspension of the tender and ensure that the procurement process is completed in a timely manner. The commission's ability to prepare for the 2027 general election will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and secure the necessary materials.
Key points
- The IEBC has suspended the tender for ballot papers and critical election materials due to a request for review filed by an entity at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
- The suspension has raised concerns about the commission's ability to prepare for the 2027 general election, with the election being barely 10 months away.
- The IEBC requires about 180 million ballot papers for the six elective positions, with the estimated number of polling stations expected to increase to about 55,000.
