Electoral body seeks Ksh 19 billion for the 2017 polls

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is  seeking 19.023 billion shillings for the 2016/17 financial year.

Speaking to Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba said the budget will finance the commission’s activities with Ksh 4.4 billion to hire polling officials, Ksh 2.7 billion to transport during elections, Ksh 4.7 billion to administrative costs and  Ksh 3.2 billion to mass voter registration in Feb-March 2017.

Chiloba said the body will ensure all stakeholders understand how the election system works before the election.

The IEBC CEO had said they will start the procurement process of BVR kits if their budget proposal to the committee is approved and money availed to them in July 2016.

Commissioner Mohammed Alawi assured the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that the electoral system will be tested and all BVR kits tested six months to the election.

The IEBC had earlier proposed a budget of Ksh 45 Billion.

In its proposal, the electoral body outlined an elaborate 45 billion shillings plan ahead of the 2017 polls.

The commission said it requires 30 billion shillings to prepare for the election and an additional 15 billion shillings for normal operations.

The government has previously said it will prioritize adequate funding of the IEBC to ensure a credible General Election next year.