Parliament, IEBC Face Off Over 2022 Elections Budget

The National Assembly on Tuesday, August 10 demanded clarification from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over its budget for the 2022 elections budget.

On August 9, IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati announced that the commission required at least Ksh40.9 billion to carry out credible elections in 2022.

The money would be used to run the elections while keeping elections safe amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati at the commission’s office at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi in June 2017.

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“IEBC requires Ksh40.9 billion for the 2022 poll and a further Ksh588 million to procure Covid-19 items, making a total of Ksh40.917 billion,” the IEBC Chair reiterated.

He also revealed that the commission had a shortage of funding which could pose a challenge to running a free and fair election in 2022.

Speaking in Mombasa, Chebukati stated that IEBC has a deficit of Ksh14.5 billion.

He faulted the treasury for failing to avail the needed funds and stated that the electoral body would have to rely on international stakeholders like the United Kingdom who had made pledges to financially assist it to prepare for the 2022 poll.

IEBC disclosed that it may have to cut down on some expenditure on some of the processes should it not meet the financial requirements.

For instance, Chebukati revealed that the commission would have to reduce the mass voter registration period from 30 days to 15 days. 

Chebukati also announced the new campaign limits for candidates ahead of the 2022 general election.

IEBC limited the money spent by presidential candidates in election campaigns to Ksh4.4 billion (Ksh4,435,5655,094).

A graphic showing limit presidential aspirants are expected to spend in campaigns.

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