Chebukati says IEBC requires Ksh.40.9 billion to conduct 2022 elections

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has urged the National Treasury to increase the budgetary allocation set aside for the commission to conduct next year’s General Election.

According to Chebukati, IEBC requires a minimum of Ksh.40.9 billion to conduct the 2022 elections yet the Treasury allocated a budget of Ksh.26.34 billion, leaving a deficit of Ksh.14.57 billion.

“It is worth noting that the 40.917 budget requirement is the bare minimum as per the electoral activities in the Election Operations Plan which are governed by the existing legal framework. We urge National Treasury to provide sufficient funds as requested,” said Chebukati.

He was speaking on Monday during a workshop of the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) in Mombasa.

Chebukati says out of the Ksh.40.9 billion, Ksh.40.329 billion will be used to carry out all the activities in the Election Operation Plan while a further estimated Ksh.588 million is required for purposes of procuring items to be used in the COVID-19 prevention protocols including thermometer guns, sanitizers, soap and washing points.

During the workshop, Chebukati reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible 2022 General Election.

He highlighted some of the issues that are subject of national discourse and have a bearing to the upcoming elections including the two-thirds gender rule, transmission and management of election results as well as election offences and code of conduct.

On ensure compliance to the two-thirds gender rule, Chebukati said the political parties’ nomination lists for elective positions in the Senate and National Assembly must comply with the two-third gender rule before they are accepted by the Commission for candidates’ registration.

“To ensure transparency in the results management process, the Commission shall allow accredited media access to polling stations and tallying centres to cover the vote counting, announcement, collation and declaration of results,” said the IEBC Chairman.

On the issue of electoral malpractice, Chebukati said the Commission shall strictly enforce the electoral code of conduct that comes into force during the campaign period.

IEBC is expected to conduct the next General Election on August 9, 2022.

At the same event, the Kenya Editors Guild announced that two Presidential debates will be held on July 12, 2022 and July 26, 2022 ahead of August General Election.