First batch of Presidential ballot papers arrives in the country

First batch of presidential ballot papers arrives in Kenya. [Emmanuel Too, Standard]

The first batch of the 2022 Presidential ballot papers has arrived in the country.

The consignment was received by a team of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), from Greece.

The batch, aboard an Egypt Air cargo plane carrying two hundred and twenty-five (225) pallets arrived in Nairobi Wednesday, July 27, amid tight security.

IEBC officials led by the commission’s Vice Chair Juliana Cherera said that the remaining ballot papers, being printed by Inform P Lykos- a Greek firm will be delivered in two batches.

“The process of printing the ballot papers is still ongoing in Athens, and the remaining pallets will be delivered in two phases. 300 pallets are set to arrive on July 29, and the final consignment of 345 pallets to arrive on August 3, days before Kenyans go to the polls,” Cherera said.

IEBC at the same time assured Kenyans that there will be no excess ballot papers that will be printed for the presidential vote, to avoid any foul play which extends to ballot-stuffing.

"However, the team takes note of the printer's concern, especially on the late court ruling that delayed the printing schedule. The company had planned the last delivery date would be on July 29, 2022. However, due to the court ruling delay, the final delivery date will be August 3,” she added.

At the same time, the commission stated that the diaspora ballot papers will be ferried to Nairobi first before being distributed to their various destinations in the 12 foreign countries where the voting exercise will take place.

The 14-member team that flew to Athens, Greece last week to witness the printing included religious leaders, representatives of presidential candidates, civil society representatives, the office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the Political Parties Liaison Committee and the Media Council of Kenya.