Kesses MP Julius Rutto has questioned the rising cost of elections in Kenya, saying the country’s budget priorities are increasingly strained by debt repayment and the growing expense of managing electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Thursday, before Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presents the 2026/27 Budget Statement in the afternoon, Rutto raised concern over the high allocations to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which has been allocated Sh74.8 billion for the next polls.
He argued that national priorities are already constrained by debt obligations, saying a large share of revenue goes into servicing loans, limiting flexibility in other sectors.
“IEBC are still lamenting that it is not enough. Why are they so expensive?” he posed, linking the issue to competing fiscal demands.
Rutto said the pressure on public resources forces difficult choices in budgeting, including prioritisation between sectors such as education, infrastructure, and debt repayment.
He also questioned the recurring cost of electoral technology and procurement cycles, noting that new equipment is often required every election period.
“Why do we have to buy gadgets every election cycle?” the MP asked, pointing to repeated spending on election kits and systems.
He added that election management is complex due to the number of processes involved, including monitoring campaigns, handling disputes, and managing petitions.
Explaining further, Rutto pointed out that Kenya’s electoral system is more costly compared to some developed countries, arguing that the structure of elections and representation contributes to the high expenditure.
He also raised concerns about the broader political and administrative structure, suggesting a review of representation and governance systems to assess long-term value and cost.
The IEBC budget has steadily risen over the years, with the 2027 projection marking the highest so far.
The 2013 General Election cost about Sh25 billion, driven by the introduction of biometric voter registration systems. In 2017, the cost rose to about Sh49.9 billion following expanded technology use, while the 2022 election cost about Sh44.6 billion.
For 2027, IEBC is now projecting Sh74.8 billion, driven largely by fresh technology procurement and operational requirements.
The commission plans to replace 45,353 KIEMS kits purchased in 2017, while retaining 14,000 acquired in 2022 for reuse in the upcoming election.
IEBC says it requires 59,352 kits in total, including those for polling stations and training.
Rutto warned that rising electoral costs, combined with debt pressures, continue to squeeze fiscal space and may require broader national discussions on reform.