The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is grappling with a Sh16.5 billion budget gap as it prepares for the 2027 General Election, raising fresh concerns about funding support from the National Treasury. According to a report published today, January 22, 2026, the electoral agency’s request for sufficient resources has not been fully met, leaving a substantial portion of its election financing in jeopardy.
The commission had presented its budget needs before the budget sector working group, asking for about Sh62 billion to efficiently conduct the next general election. However, only a fraction of that amount has been approved so far, prompting fears that critical electoral activities may face cash constraints.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon Edung highlighted earlier budgetary demands, with previous estimates suggesting that at least Sh57.3 billion would be needed for a free and credible poll, reflecting a sharp increase in costs compared to past elections.
The shortfall has reignited debate over the government’s commitment to adequately funding the electoral process. In 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi raised concerns about the rising costs associated with elections, including the procurement of biometric equipment and logistical expenses, urging IEBC to be prudent in its spending. He also acknowledged that significant resources would be required to register millions of new voters ahead of the 2027 polls.
Critics argue that without timely and sufficient funding from the Treasury, preparations for the 2027 election could be compromised, potentially affecting voter registration drives, ballot procurement, training of electoral officials, and other essential activities. The delays come at a time when the electoral commission is under increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency, efficiency, and readiness following the 2025 by-elections, where the technical conduct of polls was praised even as broader political tensions simmered.
