Kenya’s repeat elections slated for October 17 will gobble up sh12 billion.
The poll agency, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already written to the National Treasury requesting the funds be released soonest.
“A draft budget has been presented to the National Treasury for consideration. We expect expeditious allocation of funds to allow for implementation of the key tasks ahead, especially those related to ICT and training,” said Chebukati according to the Star.
IEBC has less than 35 days to conduct fresh polls as ordered by the Supreme Court.
The election of President Uhuru Kenyatta was nullified on the basis of “irregularities and illegalities”.
“[IEBC] failed, neglected or refused to conduct the presidential election in a manner consistent with the dictates of the Constitution,” Chief Justice David Maraga said when he nullified the polls on September 1.
The August 8 polls saw IEBC spend sh42 billion.
In the repeat polls, the commission is keen on enhancing electoral technology, polling officials’ wages and logistics which is expected to take up much of the sh12 billion.
Sh1.49 billion will be used for enhancement of technology while Sh2.39 billion will be channeled towards paying polling officials and Sh1.9 billion for transport at the county levels.
IEBC will hire 40,883 presiding officers, 40,883 deputy presiding officers, 135,038 clerks, 580 ICT support and 290 constituency logistics assistants.
A further Sh1.3 billion will be spent on acquisition of election materials including ballot papers while Sh2.9 billion will be spent on training of polling officials and hiring equipment during training.
Sh214 million will be channeled towards catering for tallying centres expenses.
ICT security will take up Sh136 million, Sh147 million on back end and technical support and Sh516 million will be spent on network and communication.
The commission has put emphasis on having an effective result transmission system as in the August 8 polls; the technology employed was dogged by ineffectiveness.
IEBC will also acquire new ballot boxes at a cost of sh79 million and is expected to spend sh84.5 million for “diaspora and factory visits.”
Postal Corporation will be contracted at cost of 875 million to distribute election materials and equipment.
Sh273 million has been set aside for legal services. This includes sh52 million for a fresh Presidential Petition response, sh172 million for verification of response documents and sh35 million for administration of oath for election officials.
By Pharis Kinyua. He’s an online Journalist and an author for Jamhuri News
IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati (behind) and her vice chair Connie Maina during a retreat in Naivasha. [www.the-star.co.ke]