The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans they will deliver credible polls come August. While updating the press on issues dealing with procurement of ballot papers and the Integrated Elections Management System, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati said the commission decided to re-advertise the tender for the ballot papers, election results declaration forms and poll registers after the court ordered the cancellation of the tender awarded to a Dubai-based firm for the printing of the ballot papers citing a violation of the procurement laws.
“We have a sufficient period to finalize the procurement process and to have this strategic material available within the timelines recommended which is at least two months before elections,” said Chebukati.
Chebukati further said that the Elections Law Amendment Act required the commission to establish an Integrated Electronic Electoral System, which was required to integrate biometric voter registration, electronic voter identification and electronic transmission of results. Added to that, the Act required that the system should be put in place 4 months to the general elections. Chebukati said the tender was advertised after the commission developed the terms of reference for the Kenya Integrated Election Management System, but it was challenged at the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority and the appeal was withdrawn giving way for the procurement to proceed. However, another appeal was lodged, interfering with the procurement process, and the PPRA has 21 days to decide on the matter.