IEBC short of funds to run 24 by-elections slated for November 27

IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon (left) and CEO Marjan Marjan before the Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, on September 17, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Wednesday disclosed that it lacks sufficient funds to conduct all 24 by-elections scheduled for November 27. IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan told the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the commission requires a cumulative Sh1.04 billion to hold the by-elections but has only secured Sh788 million. Marjan, who appeared before the watchdog committee alongside IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, was responding to audit queries raised by the office of the Auditor General for the 2022/2023 financial year. "Our biggest challenge ahead of the by-elections is funding. We have a total of 24 by-elections. Of these, 16 have been funded to the tune of Sh788 million, while the remaining eight, costing Sh258 million, are yet to be funded. Overall, we require Sh1.046 billion," said Marjan. Committee chairperson and Butere MP Tindi Mwale, however, sought to know the criteria IEBC used to determine which by-elections would be funded and which ones would not. "Initially, we submitted a list of 16 counties requiring funding for by-elections, but as time progressed, more emerged that needed resources. We are engaging the National Treasury to secure the balance as quickly as possible," said the CEO. He further noted delays in executing the by-elections programme due to new procedural requirements including the recent government directive mandating the use of E-procurement. "We are required to use e-GP, and although we sought a concession to continue with the old procurement system, it was not granted. We have not yet begun procurement, but we have trained our headquarters staff and are ready to proceed once the process is cleared," explained Marjan. Pressed by MPs to specify which constituencies or wards had not been budgeted for, Ethekon clarified that some vacancies arose at different times, forcing the commission to prioritise those that had remained vacant the longest. He pointed out that while the commission had received budgetary allocations, the release of funds from the exchequer had been inconsistent, compounding the financial strain. Nonetheless, he assured the MPs that all the 24 by-elections would conducted on the same day. "We have raised the matter with Treasury, and they said they have promised to provide funding for the eight outstanding by-elections. We only hope it comes in good time, as this is a time sensitive matter...," said Ethekon. He added: "Poll planning takes a lot of time and focus. We believe November 27 provides sufficient time, including for mobilizing resources, and we are confident of delivering a credible election as a test run for 2027. All plans are in place, and we will keep Kenyans updated on our preparedness." In a notice, dated August 8, IEBC announced that the mini-elections for MCA seats will be held in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng'etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), Tembelio (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo (Nyamira), Lake Zone and Nanaam (Turkana) and Kabuchai/Chwele (Bungoma). By-elections for six parliamentary seats include; Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja constituencies, while Senate seat for Baringo County is also up for grabs.

IEBC short of funds to run 24 by-elections slated for November 27

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IEBC short of funds to run 24 by-elections slated for November 27

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