Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s National Treasury has sounded an alarm, alerting lawmakers to a significant KSh 9.2 billion shortfall in the funding allocated for the 2027 General Election within the recently passed national budget. National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo conveyed this critical information to the Parliamentary committee on finance on May 30, stressing that these funds are indispensable for essential election supplies and logistical operations.

Impact of the Shortfall

This budgetary deficit means that crucial expenditures, including the procurement of ballot papers, polling materials, and the provision of security for the upcoming polls, currently lack a clear and secure funding source. Both PS Kiptoo and the finance committee chairman, Gitonga Murugara, underscored the urgent necessity to either reallocate existing budget lines or utilize contingency reserves to cover this gap. Mr. Murugara further highlighted the precarious financial state of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that it already carried KSh 3.8 billion in unpaid bills from previous electoral activities.

Call for Urgent Action

With an estimated 6.3 million new voters expected to register before the 2027 elections, legislators warned that preparations could severely stall if immediate corrective action is not taken. They strongly urged the Treasury to identify and implement measures to bridge the funding deficit promptly. This is deemed essential to ensure that all phases of election planning—from comprehensive voter registration drives to the timely procurement of election kits and technology—can proceed without delay and according to the established constitutional schedule.