The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has projected a budget of Ksh.61.7 billion to conduct Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

Appearing before Parliament on Tuesday, IEBC Deputy CEO Obadiah Keitany revealed that the commission has allocated Ksh.7 billion for boundary delimitation. However, a court ruling is still pending before proceeding.

"The commission anticipates registering an additional 5.7 million voters, bringing the total to 28 million by 2027," Keitany stated.

The commission also highlighted that 14 pending by-elections require an estimated Ksh.480 million to execute.

IEBC Finance Director Osman Ibrahim disclosed that 45,352 Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits need to be replaced. These devices, used for electronic voter identification, have a lifespan of 10 years and are now obsolete.

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“We will replace 45,352 KIEMS kits, excluding the 14,000 purchased in 2022. In total, 59,352 kits are needed, at an estimated cost of Ksh.7 billion,” Ibrahim explained.

IEBC has not conducted voter registration since 2022 due to insufficient funding and an operational commission. The commission has remained non-functional since its last serving officials exited in 2023. Currently, a selection panel is in the process of appointing a new chairperson and commissioners.

Kenya’s 2022 General Election had a voter turnout of 22.1 million and cost a staggering Ksh.44.6 billion, ranking it among the most expensive elections globally. With a projected increase in voters and operational costs, the 2027 elections could set an even higher financial benchmark.