Procurement misconducts that led IEBC to lose millions

The cost of conducting polls per registered voter stands at Sh2,546. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Details of exaggerated prices of poll materials and infighting among top officials over multi-million shilling tenders has exposed the electoral agency to funds wastage. Details of wastage in the Auditor General reports and the jailing of British printing firm director Nicholas Smith – who was found guilty of bribing top electoral officials to win ballot printing contract – show the rot in tendering processes.

The process meant to allow voters to elect new leaders in a transparent and accountable manner has been turned into an opportunity to make money by individuals involved in the procurement every electoral cycle. Investigations by parliamentary watchdog committee – Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – have shown how top officials have openly fronted firms linked to them to win contracts with the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC). In certain instances, millions of shillings were splashed to offer catering services and accommodation to top poll officials.