The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed that the 22 upcoming by-elections across the country will cost taxpayers approximately Sh700 million, citing high logistical demands and stringent security requirements in Kenya’s electoral process.
Speaking during a TV interview, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu explained that the bulk of the cost goes toward deployment and training of electoral officials, procurement of specialised election materials, and the extensive logistical network required to deliver them securely across the country.
“The biggest cost drivers are electoral officials, the procurement of materials, and the logistics involved in transporting everything to polling stations,” Nderitu said. “These elements carry the heaviest burden.”
She noted that election officials must undergo rigorous training to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the voting process. Coordinating their deployment is particularly demanding in remote and expansive regions.
“For instance, in Baringo County, we must carefully deploy vehicles to transport materials and personnel. In far-flung areas like Banisa in Wajir and parts of Turkana, we even use flights to ensure that ballot papers arrive safely. This is necessary to prevent delays and guarantee security,” she said.
Beyond personnel and transport, Nderitu emphasised that ballot papers themselves are a major cost driver due to high security standards.
“The ballot papers used in Kenya have more security features than currency notes,” she revealed. “Our elections are designed not just to manage votes, but to manage trust. Citizens must be confident that their votes are secure, the counting is transparent, and the results reflect their true choice.”
Kenya’s elections also rely on advanced technology aimed at enhancing credibility—systems that track voter identification, audit results, and secure ballots from manipulation. These, too, increase operational costs.
Nderitu contrasted Kenya’s system with other countries where elections are far cheaper and less centralised.
“In Sweden, political parties distribute their own ballot papers, and the electoral commission only supervises. Despite the minimal involvement, it remains one of the most trusted institutions,” she noted.
In Kenya, however, the IEBC bears both the responsibility of conducting elections and safeguarding public trust, necessitating heavy investment in logistics, personnel, and secure election technology.
The projected Sh700 million expenditure underlines the complexity and high stakes of Kenya’s electoral landscape, where ensuring credibility, transparency, and public confidence requires substantial resources.
The 22 by-elections are expected to be held in the coming weeks, with the IEBC promising tight security, strict adherence to electoral laws, and transparent management throughout the process.
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