The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has submitted a request for an additional Ksh.888 million to support its upcoming activities.
The funds are intended for several purposes, including buying new vehicles for commissioners, refurbishing commission offices, and conducting an enhanced mass voter registration exercise scheduled to begin at the end of this month.
Members of the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee have expressed concerns about the commission’s spending priorities, especially given that the IEBC is also planning to construct a Ksh.3.5 billion Uchaguzi Centre.
The requested Ksh.887.95 million forms part of the first supplementary budget for the commission’s operations.
According to the request, part of the funds will cover the exit package of former IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, including his salary and gratuity one month after leaving the commission.
Another portion, Ksh.168 million, is earmarked for purchasing motor vehicles for the commissioners, while Ksh.10 million is allocated for furniture. Renovation of the commission’s offices is estimated to cost Ksh.120 million.
“The other day my colleague here, the front wheels flew out. God forbid the front tyres almost got out.
We found a commission where people are using very old vehicles,” Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat explained, highlighting the urgency for new vehicles.
IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana added, “The situation room will be there to do a number of things, real-time update from the field to know nani anasema ukweli nani anasema uongo. Number two to nab fake news.”
Some lawmakers questioned the necessity of these allocations, with concerns over whether they were essential. Wajir East MP Mohammed Daudi asked, “Did the commissioners also leave with the furniture?” while Mugirango West MP Steven Mogaka sought clarification, saying, “I just want confirmation that the situation room is not a war room.”
Fahima Araphat responded, “We need laptops, we need computers, we need officers, so hiyo Kiingereza mingi ndiyo inaenda kufanya.
In preparation for the upcoming voter registration exercise, the commission has requested Ksh.50 million for stakeholder engagement, Ksh.40 million for the situation room, and Ksh.100 million for a media campaign to support continuous voter registration.
Additionally, Ksh.392.06 million has been requested for by-elections covering eight elective positions filled on November 27, four positions held on February 26, and upcoming ward by-elections, including Emurua Dikirr.
“We will be bringing another budget for Emurua Dikirr by-elections later on,” said IEBC Acting CEO Moses Sunkuli.
During the committee hearing, Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba asked if the commission had enough budget for the upcoming by-elections.
Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chairperson George Murugara also raised concerns about election integrity, stating, “We did have allegations of rigging during by-elections… how do you rate yourself?” Commissioner Prof. Francis Aduol responded, “We would rate ourselves at 90 per cent because we had some instances of violence.”
