IEBC chairperson, Erastus Ethekon speaking during a consultative forum with senior officials from the Interior Ministry on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed claims that the procurement of election technology is being manipulated to rig the 2027 General Election, insisting that the tender process remains open, transparent and above board.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said no company has been awarded the tender for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System.
Ethekon was responding to claims by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that there were plans to manipulate the 2027 presidential election through the procurement of electoral technology. Gachagua had alleged that the tender specifications were designed to favour South Korean firm Miru Systems Ltd.
Read also: IEBC admits error in election system tender, denies favouring South Korean firm
IEBC: Tender Specifications Are Generic
Ethekon rejected the allegations, saying the technical requirements were not tailored to any particular company.
“The technical specifications are generic, performance-based, open to any qualified supplier, guided by Supreme Court directives, lessons from previous elections and feedback from our field officers,” Ethekon stated.
The IEBC chairperson also sought to dispel claims that Miru Systems had already secured the multimillion-shilling contract.
“No award has been made to any company since the Commission is not aware of those companies that would be competing in this tender,” Ethekon stated.
He warned against making conclusions about a procurement process that has not yet been completed.
“Any attempts to cast aspersions on a process or outcomes of a process that has not yet reached its logical conclusion are premature and aimed at interfering with the affairs of the IEBC,” he added.
IEBC Warns Against Political Pressure
Ethekon further cautioned potential bidders against engaging in political commentary or associating themselves with politicians in an attempt to influence the Commission’s decisions.
“No amount of politically instigated allegations, intimidation, threats and malicious propaganda whatsoever will determine how we execute our mandate,” he stated.
The chairperson urged potential bidders with concerns over the procurement process to use the legal mechanisms provided under Kenyan law.
“Where potential bidders have issues to raise, we implore them to follow the correct and proper channels to seek for redress as provided for by the laws of Kenya,” Ethekon stated.
KSh6.5 Billion Tender Faces Legal Challenge
The election technology procurement has nevertheless faced a legal challenge.
The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board temporarily halted the IEBC’s KSh6.5 billion election technology tender following a complaint filed by Galadriel Investments Limited.
The board is expected to make a determination on the matter within three weeks.
The dispute comes as the IEBC prepares for the 2027 General Election, with the procurement of election technology expected to play a critical role in voter registration, election management and the transmission and management of electoral results.
