Members of Parliament have criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission over its proposed 2027 election budget. Lawmakers termed the Ksh.63.9 billion request extravagant and excessive. They were particularly alarmed by a Ksh.1.1 billion allocation for meals. The amount is intended for poll officials on election day. However, the commission did not disclose the type of meals planned.
The commission presented the budget before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of Kenya. MPs questioned the Ksh.5.9 billion allocated for printing ballot papers. They also challenged the Ksh.3 billion set aside for transport. Further, lawmakers scrutinized the Ksh.4.9 billion earmarked for election materials logistics.
The commission allocated Ksh.1 billion for results transmission. It also set aside Ksh.3.9 billion to upgrade its systems. Additionally, the commission plans to spend Ksh.6.2 billion to replace KIEMS kits. It intends to replace 45,352 KIEMS kits. However, the election will require 59,352 kits. On election day, the commission will spend Ksh.776 million on tents and sound systems.
It has also allocated Ksh.560 million for party primaries. Further, the commission will use Ksh.500 million to audit the voter register. It has budgeted Ksh.305 million for bulk SMS services. Despite the concerns, the commission urged MPs to approve the proposal. It argued that adequate funding will guarantee a smooth general election.
