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The Deputy President gave the assurance on Wednesday during the 15th Development Partnership Forum held at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, where he co-chaired the meeting with United Nations Resident Coordinator Garry Conille and Germany's Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election by inviting suppliers to bid for election technology and a range of materials expected to be used during the polls. The commission is seeking eligible companies to provide, install, test and maintain the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS), including its hardware and accessories. The tender, identified as IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027, has a submission deadline of September 1, 2026, at 10am East African Time. IEBC said the procurement will cover the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the elections management system and related equipment. “The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) invites tenders from interested eligible bidders for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), hardware equipment and accessories until 1st September, 2026 at 10am East African Time,” IEBC stated. The commission is working with a projected 28.5 million voters for the upcoming election, making the acquisition of the required technology and election materials an important part of its preparations. Apart from the elections management system, IEBC has opened another procurement process for suppliers of ballot papers, tactile folders, the register of voters and statutory election result declaration forms. The ballot papers will form part of the key materials required during the voting exercise, while the register and result declaration forms will support other stages of the electoral process. Companies interested in taking part in the tenders can obtain the documents from the IEBC Procurement Office at Anniversary Towers, fifth floor, Room 514, during normal working hours. The documents can also be downloaded at no cost from the IEBC website or the Public Procurement Information Portal. However, firms that obtain the documents online are required to submit their details to the commission through its procurement email address. This will enable IEBC to send them clarifications and any subsequent information concerning the tender. The commission has also set financial conditions for bidders seeking the two contracts. Companies bidding to supply the elections management system must provide Sh30 million in bid security, while those seeking the contract to supply ballot papers are required to submit Sh40 million. IEBC has directed that completed bids be placed in plain, sealed envelopes and submitted either to the office of the Commission Secretary or through the tender box located at Anniversary Towers. All submissions must reach the commission before the September 1, 2026 deadline. The procurement marks another step in the electoral body's preparations for the 2027 polls, with the commission now moving to secure the technology, ballot materials and other documents needed for the election.
Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno said the the 60-day period should be the starting point for IEBC as it plans the next General Election. He, however, said the commission could be allowed additional time if it has genuine administrative or logistical difficulties.
Sifuna argued that although Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to vote by secret ballot, many officers are unable to exercise that right because they spend election day maintaining security in locations away from their designated polling centres
The electoral body said it was working with security agencies to identify those behind the incidents and ensure the affected areas remain calm.
Over time, the National Treasury has faced criticism for inconsistent release of funds, with some payments stretching beyond the June financial year deadline.
The IEBC has confirmed that the by-election will be held on July 16, 2026, setting the stage for an intense political battle in Ol Kalou.
The announcement comes as preparations for the by-election gain momentum following the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho on March 29, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Commission termed Jehow’s comments as “reckless and unacceptable,” cautioning that such pronouncements threaten the integrity of the democratic process.
The petition, filed by Kelvin Roy Omondi and Boniface Mwangi, seeks interim orders to suspend the consideration, approval, or swearing-in of the seven individuals nominated to the IEBC.
According to them, the fifth year begins on August 9, 2026, making it the lawful period for holding the next general elections.
"Even after the procurement is done, the technology has to be tested in the presence of all stakeholders including the media and political parties and more time is consumed at that exercise."