Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that eight of 24 by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, may not proceed due to a Ksh. 258 million ($2 million) funding shortfall, raising concerns about the country’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, in his first appearance before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee on September 17, disclosed that while the commission has secured Ksh. 788 million to fund 16 by-elections, the total cost of conducting all 24 is estimated at Ksh. 1.046 billion.
“We are engaging with the Treasury to bridge the gap,” Ethekon told lawmakers, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to delivering “a very good by-election” as a test run for 2027.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan detailed the financial strain, noting that the budget shortfall threatens the integrity of the electoral process.
“We have 24 by-elections. Sixteen are funded, but we are short by Ksh. 258 million,” he said.
The commission is also preparing to register 6.3 million new voters, primarily young people, to expand the voter roll to 29 million by 2027, up from 22.5 million in 2022.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the funding crisis. Tindi Mwale, the Public Accounts Committee chair, urged the IEBC to clarify where parliamentary support is needed to ensure “free and fair elections.”
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda also raised questions about delays in the boundaries delimitation exercise, to which Ethekon cited logistical and budgetary challenges.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the IEBC headquarters at Anniversary Towers saw a flurry of activity as independent candidates submitted names and symbols for the by-elections. The funding uncertainty could disrupt these preparations, potentially undermining public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.
Analysts warn that unresolved budgetary issues may signal deeper challenges for the 2027 General Election, with stakeholders closely monitoring the Treasury’s response.