Kenya’s Parliament on Thursday rejected a proposal by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to increase the maximum number of voters per polling station from 700 to 1,000, citing the agency’s inability to expand polling station infrastructure. The decision, made during a parliamentary session scrutinizing IEBC’s electoral reforms, came after lawmakers argued that the plan would risk voter disenfranchisement without additional polling stations. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon had previously defended the proposal, stating it aimed to streamline voting processes amid rising voter registration numbers. However, MPs emphasized that the commission’s failure to address existing gaps in polling station coverage rendered the adjustment impractical.
The rejection highlights tensions between the IEBC and Parliament over electoral logistics ahead of the 2027 general elections. The IEBC had proposed the change as part of broader reforms, including expanding prisoner voting rights and seeking exclusive prosecutorial powers to address election-related offenses. However, lawmakers criticized the commission for not aligning its proposals with practical implementation strategies. A parliamentary committee noted that increasing voter limits without additional polling stations could exacerbate long queues and logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
Public-interest advocates warned that the decision could undermine electoral efficiency, with some arguing that the IEBC’s capacity to manage larger voter cohorts is critical as Kenya’s electorate grows. The IEBC’s 2027 election preparations are projected to cost Sh272 billion, with MPs recently rejecting a request to raise the election budget to Sh63 billion, settling instead for the Sh43 billion allocated by the Treasury. The commission has also faced scrutiny over its handling of diaspora voter registration and the allocation of special seats for women in legislative bodies.
The standoff underscores broader challenges in Kenya’s electoral governance, as the IEBC navigates demands for transparency and efficiency amid political pressures. While the rejected proposal was not the only contentious issue, it reflects the complex interplay between electoral reform and resource allocation. With the 2027 polls approaching, the debate over polling station capacity remains a focal point for ensuring fair and accessible voting processes across the country.