IEBC wants Sh100 million to fund voter registration campaign

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) did indeed request Sh100 million for a national voter registration campaign, a figure that sparked considerable debate and scrutiny among stakeholders. This request was clearly articulated in a press statement released by the commission on October 4, 2021, where the IEBC Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, underscored the critical need for these funds to effectively sensitize the public and conduct a comprehensive registration drive. The commission's justification for this substantial sum was rooted in the logistical complexities and wide geographical reach required for a successful campaign, aiming to register an estimated 4.5 million new voters ahead of the upcoming general election. Initially, the National Treasury had allocated Sh1.2 billion to the IEBC for voter registration, a sum that the commission deemed insufficient to cover both the operational costs of the exercise and the necessary public awareness campaign. Chebukati clarified that while the Sh1.2 billion would cover the personnel, materials, and transport for the registration process, the additional Sh100 million was specifically earmarked for media campaigns and civic education to encourage eligible citizens to register. This distinction is crucial in understanding the specific purpose of the claimed Sh100 million, differentiating it from the broader operational budget for