The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has admitted to facing financial and logistical challenges in preparing for 24 upcoming by-elections, even as it seeks to restore public confidence in its operations.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), IEBC officials revealed that while 16 by-elections have been funded to the tune of Ksh788 Million, eight others remain in limbo due to a KShs. 238 million shortfalls.

The total budgetary requirement is KShs. 1.046 billion.

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

Commission Leaders Outline Hurdles

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, accompanied by CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, his deputy Obadiah Keitany, and other top officials, painted a picture of an institution constrained by resource shortfalls and procurement hurdles, 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 unlock additional resources urgently for the remaining eight,” said CEO Marjan.

The Commission also flagged procurement delays linked to the government’s electronic procurement system (e-GP).

“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,” Marjan added.

By-Election Dates

Ethekon announced November 27 as the date for all pending by-elections, including Banissa Constituency, which has lacked representation for over two years. He emphasized that the law requires a rigorous process—recruiting polling 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 serve as a vital test run ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Ethekon said.

Voter Registration Plans

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 stationed at all constituency offices and 57 Huduma Centres nationwide. Diaspora voters will also be included, following engagement with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

Updating the Voter Roll

On the voter register, Ethekon explained that a new roll will be generated from the continuous exercise, with fresh data captured, deceased voters removed, and the register audited for accuracy.

Boundary Review Status

IEBC also confirmed receiving an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court on boundary review but said it was still studying the legal and financial implications. MPs stressed urgency, with Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow decrying underrepresentation in his 22,000-square-kilometre constituency.

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 demonstrate that political violence can be contained,” he cautioned.

In response, Ethekon urged restraint: “IEBC alone cannot prevent violence. Politicians, media, and society must also play their part.”

Public Accounts Committee in Parliament together with the Chair of IEBC and his Co
PHOTO/Parliament