The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson, Erastus Ethekon/FILEThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has dismissed claims that a company has already been awarded the tender to supply and install election technology for the 2027 general election.
Ethekon was responding to allegations raised by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua regarding the ongoing procurement of electoral technology and other preparations for the 2027 polls.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Ethekon said the procurement process for the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) was still at its initial stages and had not resulted in the selection of any supplier.
“The commission informs the public that the procurement process for technology commenced with the advertisement of the tender and it is still at its initial stages,” he said.
"No award has been made to any company since the commission is not aware of those companies that would be competing in this tender."
He said all relevant tender documents had been uploaded to the IEBC website and the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP) on August 11, 2026.
Ethekon further said the technical specifications contained in the tender were generic and performance-based, allowing any qualified supplier to participate in the process.
He said the specifications had been developed based on Supreme Court directives, lessons from previous elections and feedback from IEBC field officers.
He explained that the tendering process involved several stages and that the final decision would only be made after the required procedures had been completed in accordance with procurement laws.
The IEBC chairperson also said attempts to cast doubt on a process that had not reached its conclusion were premature and could interfere with the commission's work.
His response followed Gachagua's allegations during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 26, concerning the commission's preparations for the 2027 general election.
The ex-DP had alleged that the electoral technology procurement process had already been predetermined in favour of an overeseas company.
Gachagua raised concerns over specifications that he claims could favour a particular supplier.
Gachagua called for the release of internal committee minutes, technical working papers, market surveys and approval records relating to the tender.
“Can IEBC produce documentary evidence showing who drafted the technical specifications,” he asked.
Gachagua further questioned the Sh30 million tender security requirement.
"Why did IEBC require a tender security of Sh30 million while failing to disclose sufficient information regarding the quantities, commercial scope, estimated procurement value, or the budgetary basis necessary to demonstrate compliance with Section 61 of the PPADA, and how were bidders expected to assess commercial risk under those circumstances?" Gachagua asked.
In a detailed response, Ethekon defended the broader procurement process, saying IEBC was conducting its activities in accordance with Chapter 12 of the Constitution and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
He said the commission was committed to ensuring that the procurement of election technology and ballot papers was undertaken in compliance with Article 227 of the Constitution and applicable procurement laws.
The commission said the procurement of both the Integrated Elections Management System and ballot papers had temporarily been halted following requests for review filed before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
Ethekon urged prospective bidders to participate competitively in the tender process and avoid political commentary or attempts 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. Our actions shall be based solely on our interpretation and application of the relevant laws and processes," he said.
He added that bidders with concerns should use the legal channels provided for seeking redress.
Ethekon also dismissed other allegations including claims of bribery, voter suppression and interference with the voter register.
The IEBC chairperson said allegations that politicians had purchased a house for him to influence his decisions were unsubstantiated and challenged Gachagua to provide evidence to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
He also rejected claims of malpractice involving the commission’s chairperson, vice chairperson and staff, describing them as false and fabricated.
On the voter register, Ethekon said it remained under the exclusive custody of the IEBC and dismissed claims that the commission planned to suppress voters from any region or share registration data with external parties.
"Therefore, the allegations of bribery, pre-determination of awards and voter suppression are false, alarming and have the potential to incite the public and undermine confidence in a constitutional process," he concluded in his statement.
