‘We are not out of time’: IEBC defends election technology timeline

Nairobi, Kenya - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reassured the public that there is still sufficient time to procure and test election technology for the 2027 General Election, despite delays in the tender process. IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana stated that the commission has 120 days to complete procurement followed by another 60 days for simulations and testing.

Mukhwana assured that the commission is committed to complying with orders issued by the Judiciary and will amend the tender if necessary. The IEBC's procurement process has faced legal challenges, with the tender process coming under scrutiny over its requirements. A recent High Court order directed the commission to review and amend its tender for the Integrated Elections Management System.

Mukhwana acknowledged that some procurement decisions have ended up in court, but emphasized the commission's willingness to comply with court orders. He appealed to the Judiciary to expedite cases arising from the procurement process to avoid delays that could affect the commission's preparations. The technology procurement is particularly critical to the credibility of the 2027 election, as it includes electronic voter identification, results transmission, and related election-management systems.