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2027 election could cost Kenya sh57.3 billion, study warns

By
Binti Wangila
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Kenya could spend up to Sh57.3 billion to conduct the 2027 General Election, according to a new study that warns election costs tend to rise when an incumbent president is seeking re-election.

The Cost of Elections in Kenya 2026 report by South Consulting Africa Limited says the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) initially projected a budget of Sh61.7 billion for the 2027 polls, which was later reduced to Sh57.3 billion following adjustments by the National Treasury and Parliament.

The projected figure points to a possible return to the high-cost pattern witnessed in 2017, when the IEBC spent about Sh65 billion as former President Uhuru Kenyatta sought a second term.

The report says the high expenditure in 2017 was partly driven by the initial purchase of KIEMS kits, security costs and the repeat presidential election.

By comparison, the approved election budget fell from about Sh65 billion in 2017 to Sh47 billion in 2022, while actual spending declined from Sh54 billion to Sh36 billion.

The study also highlights Kenya’s high cost of elections per voter. While the global benchmark is about five US dollars, equivalent to roughly Sh645 per registered voter, Kenya spent Sh1,649 per registered voter in 2022. The cost rose to Sh2,566 per person who actually voted, while the approved budget translated to about Sh3,298 per actual voter.

The report attributes part of the high cost to low voter turnout, noting that more than one-third of registered voters did not participate in the 2022 election. Since major election expenses such as personnel, logistics and technology remain largely fixed, lower turnout increases the cost per actual voter.

“Relatively low turnout compared to registered voters contributes to high costs. Elections are run on fixed costs. The cost of materials, among others, is based on the assumption that almost everyone registered will turn out to vote,” the report states.

The IEBC remains the biggest recipient of election-related funding, although the study notes that its financing has followed a stop-start pattern. Its allocation rose from Sh23.6 billion in 2016/17 to Sh33.4 billion in 2017/18, before falling sharply in subsequent financial years.

The report warns that irregular funding makes it difficult for the electoral body to maintain systems, retain expertise, implement reforms and act on audit and election observer recommendations.

“This stop-start funding model treats elections as an event instead of a continuous five-year process, making it harder for IEBC to maintain systems, retain skills, implement reforms and act on audit and observer recommendations,” the report says.

The study also identifies election logistics and operations as some of the largest areas of expenditure, covering more than 300,000 temporary election officials, materials for over 46,000 polling stations and national and county tallying centres.

Technology-related costs include biometric voter registration, KIEMS kits, electronic transmission of results and cybersecurity.

The report further notes that security agencies, the Judiciary and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties also receive significant public funding linked to the electoral process.

According to the study, election costs are likely to remain high unless Kenya moves away from major procurement spending during election years and adopts long-term investment in electoral infrastructure.

“It is instructive to note that over the period reviewed for this report, the highest cost of electoral processes occurred in 2017, with a similar scenario projected in 2027. This would tend to suggest that electoral costs are highest when an incumbent is seeking re-election, rather than when a constitutionally mandated handover is in the offing,” the report states.

The study recommends multi-year funding for the IEBC, Judiciary and other oversight institutions to support reforms and reduce sharp increases in election spending during election years.

It says a five-year funding cycle would allow the electoral body to build sustainable capacity, maintain systems and address election-related challenges continuously rather than relying heavily on funding released during election years.

Atwoli calls for constitutional amendment to stop repeated court injunctions on government projects

By
Newton Ingui
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Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged President William Ruto to lead a review of the 2010 Constitution, arguing that frequent court injunctions are halting key government initiatives and threatening development plans.

Speaking during an event in Kakamega County, the veteran trade union boss claimed that litigious individuals are abusing judicial channels to block public infrastructure and socio-economic programs. According to Atwoli, the constitutional framework currently enables opponents to file suits that tie down critical state projects in lengthy legal battles, potentially preventing the administration from fulfilling its campaign mandates.

COTU wants specific constitutional provisions amended to prevent courts from easily issuing orders that suspend national projects before full trials take place.

Atwoli stated that legislative and constitutional roadblocks risk stalling economic growth and public administration during a presidential five-year term.

The union leader appealed directly to President Ruto to spearhead an executive and parliamentary effort to reform the law.

The proposal has drawn sharp debate from legal experts and civil society advocates, who argue that the right to seek judicial intervention is a fundamental constitutional protection intended to maintain executive oversight, foster public participation, and uphold accountability under the rule of law.

Vijana Barubaru announce breakup to pursue Solo musical careers

By
Newton Ingui
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Acclaimed Kenyan Afro-pop duo Vijana Barubaru, comprising Mwanamke Sawa and Tuku, have officially announced a hiatus from making music as a group to focus on individual growth and personal solo projects.

In a joint public statement released on Wednesday, the hitmakers behind popular tracks like Ihoho and Ni Sawa reflected on their shared journey, describing the split as a necessary step for creative self-discovery.

“For years, the world has known us as Vijana Barubaru, and together we’ve created memories and music that will last a lifetime,” the duo stated. “This decision comes from a place of deep mutual respect and a shared desire to explore our individual artistic voices.”

The separation is described as amicable, driven purely by artistic growth rather than internal conflict.

Both members are set to launch independent personal projects in the coming months, promising fans a fresh sound and distinct creative directions.

Their existing catalog will remain intact, with the duo assuring fans that the spirit of Vijana Barubaru will continue to live on through their shared musical history.

The news has sparked widespread reactions across the East African music industry, with fans expressing gratitude for their contribution to contemporary Afro-pop while anticipating their upcoming solo releases.

Bukusu elders, Mukhisa Kituyi host hero’s welcome for Edwin Sifuna in bungoma

By
Newton Ingui
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The political landscape in Western Kenya witnessed a major realigning shift on Saturday as United Opposition spokesman Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at his Mbakalo home in Tongaren Constituency.

The high-level sit-down—presided over by the Bukusu Council of Elders—served as a formal community endorsement and homecoming for the Nairobi lawmaker, signaling a growing unification of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Elections.


Led by Mzee Makokha, chairman of the Bukusu Council of Elders, community leaders gathered to officially welcome Sifuna into the traditional fold and endorse his rising national profile.

Dr. Kituyi underscored Sifuna’s central role in the broader opposition movement, emphasizing that the Linda Mwananchi faction spearheaded by Sifuna has become a formidable political force that cannot be overlooked.

Beyond political alignment, Sifuna and the elders highlighted pressing economic issues facing the region, including overdue payments to Nzoia Sugar farmers following the lease transition to private investors.

“As leaders within the opposition, we have formally welcomed hero Edwin Sifuna as one of our own leading the struggle for economic and political liberation,” stated Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi following the closed-door talks.

Speaking to enthusiastic supporters at Naitiri Market following the elders’ meeting, Senator Sifuna reiterated his focus on accountability and grassroots mobilization:

“This was just our first consultative meeting. We must listen to what the wananchi are saying on the ground—especially on local economic issues like the plight of our sugar farmers,” Sifuna noted, promising a series of follow-up rallies across the Western region.

Taita Taveta ECDE Crisis: Assembly steps in as teacher strike paralyses learning

By
Albert Mwanyasi
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TAITA TAVETA – Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) across Taita Taveta County has ground to a halt for six consecutive days following a strike by teachers over long standing unpaid salary arrears. The ongoing industrial action has left thousands of young learners stranded, sparking widespread concern among parents and education stakeholders who rely on these foundational institutions for early childhood learning.

The growing crisis forced the Taita Taveta County Assembly to intervene on Tuesday afternoon during Session No. 061. Seeking a statement on behalf of Minority Leader Joseph Mwalegha, Sagala Ward MCA Bryson Mwambi challenged the Executive to take responsibility for the breakdown. Mwambi reminded the House that ECDE remains a fully devolved function, making it the County Government’s sole duty to ensure educators are adequately facilitated and remunerated without delay.

In a comprehensive request addressed to the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Libraries and Vocational Training, Daniel Kimuyu, the Sagala representative demanded a full disclosure of the total outstanding arrears. Mwambi requested a detailed breakdown specifying the exact period the salaries have remained unpaid, the specific financial or administrative bottlenecks causing the delay, and the precise number of affected teachers categorized by sub-county and ward.

The assembly voiced strong frustration over the non-payment, pointing out that adequate funds are regularly approved by the House. Mwambi directly questioned why teachers are suffering despite consistent annual budgetary allocations meant for ECDE services. Echoing these sentiments, Wundanyi MCA Jimmy Mwamidi backed the motion, calling the ongoing wage delays unacceptable when the Assembly prioritizes recurrent expenditure every financial year.

Education Committee Chairperson Daniel Kimuyu is now expected to table a detailed response before the Assembly outlining the exact timeline for clearing the debt. Beyond accounting for the arrears, the House expects a concrete roadmap detailing immediate measures to end the strike, settle the payroll grievances, and safely resume learning for the county’s youngest pupils.

Private sector is core engine of economic transformation, says Ruto

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto has reaffirmed that the private sector remains the primary engine driving Kenya’s economic growth, emphasizing that government policy will focus on creating an environment where businesses can scale, invest, and create jobs.

Speaking at a presidential roundtable with key business leaders, the President stressed that sustainable national development relies on deep collaboration between the public and private sectors rather than government expansion alone.

The administration is shifting major infrastructure and housing financing toward PPPs to ease fiscal pressure on state coffers while opening long-term opportunities for private capital.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has been directed to accelerate legislative overhauls—including business law amendments—to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Emphasizing a shift away from raw material exports, President Ruto called on domestic and international investors to set up local processing facilities to build local industrial capacity.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises are positioned as central to youth job creation, with targeted funding mechanisms designed to integrate local fabricators and small-scale traders into mainstream value chains.

“Our policy objective is to ensure the private sector has predictable, stable rules of engagement so investments can yield measurable outcomes for Kenya’s workforce.”

President Ruto reiterated that engagements with business leaders will be institutionalized through structured quarterly forums to track progress on policy promises and address private sector bottlenecks in real time.

Mombasa residents give governor Nassir seven-day ultimatum over nurses’ strike

By
Binti Wangila
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Human rights activists and a section of Mombasa residents have given Governor Abdulswamad Nassir a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the ongoing nurses’ strike, warning of demonstrations if health services are not restored.

The strike has now entered its 40th day, with activists saying vulnerable patients, expectant mothers, children and those in need of emergency treatment continue to bear the brunt of the standoff.

Vocal Africa activist Walid Sketi said residents have a right to demand healthcare services after paying taxes.

“We are issuing an ultimatum of seven days. If Tuesday, the 15th, arrives and this nurses’ strike has not been resolved, then we, as residents of Mombasa, will hold demonstrations.”

Walid also rejected the county government’s approach of recruiting additional nurses, arguing that the underlying grievances of existing healthcare workers must first be addressed.

He said nurses should be paid what they are owed under collective bargaining agreements.

Executive Director of She Rises Foundation Salma Hemed said the strike has severely affected women seeking maternity services and patients requiring emergency care.

She said some women have arrived at health facilities to give birth but were unable to access proper services, while patients in need of operations have also been affected.

Salma further raised concern over children and survivors of sexual violence who require timely medical attention.

Meanwhile, Muhuri Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma has called for intervention by Parliament and the national government, saying residents have suffered for 40 days without adequate healthcare services.

Auma warned that activists would use legal means to organise major demonstrations if the situation remains unresolved after September 15.

Sisters For Justice Executive Director Naila Abdalla has also urged Governor Nassir and his administration to act urgently, warning that the prolonged disruption could further undermine public confidence in the county government.

The activists maintain that their demand is not about taking sides in the nurses’ dispute, but ensuring that residents of Mombasa regain access to essential healthcare services.

Kenya warns against harassment and hate speech targeting foreigners

By
Binti Wangila
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0

The Kenyan government has warned against harassment, hate speech and ethnic incitement targeting foreign nationals, following the arrest of at least six people in Nairobi.

Police say some of those arrested are accused of making remarks intended to fuel ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania living and working in Kenya.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said four suspects were also arrested for allegedly harassing Chinese traders in Nyamakima by demanding immigration documents and bribes.

The arrests come amid heightened enforcement against foreign nationals engaged in small-scale businesses without the required immigration and business documents.

At the same time, the government has extended to 90 days the period given to Burundian nationals to regularise their stay and businesses in Kenya.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the extension is intended to ensure the process is handled in an orderly and dignified manner while addressing humanitarian concerns.

“In the true spirit of East African cooperation, we are working hand-in-hand as one team to ensure order, dignity, and safety for all our brothers and sisters,” Sing’oei said.

Sing’oei also assured foreign nationals that the government would protect them during the enforcement exercise and warned that harassment would not be tolerated.

“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.

The government says any return of Burundian nationals to their country will be voluntary, informed and transparently documented.

A Joint Task Team is also being formed to address emerging concerns and coordinate the implementation of measures agreed upon by Kenya, Burundi and UN agencies.

Meanwhile, police have arrested two 32-year-old men in separate incidents over alleged hate speech targeting Burundian nationals.

One suspect was arrested by Kilimani police over remarks allegedly made in Hurlingham and later circulated on social media, while another was arrested by DCI detectives from Buruburu over remarks made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi event.

The DCI says the second suspect is expected to face charges under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, alongside any other offences established through investigations.

Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said freedom of expression does not protect hate speech, ethnic incitement or calls for violence.

“Kenya is a diverse nation that is home to people from different ethnic communities and nationalities. The targeting of individuals or communities on the basis of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence, will not be tolerated,” Amin said.

He urged Kenyans not to take the law into their own hands, saying police will continue monitoring public and online spaces for content that threatens national cohesion and public safety.

Members of the public have been urged to report cases of hate speech, ethnic incitement or other criminal activity through the DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.

Drone attacks raise fresh concerns over civilian safety in Sudan

By
Binti Wangila
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0

At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured after a drone attack allegedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted a courthouse in Um Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan, on Tuesday.

The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the attack, warning that targeting judicial facilities and civilians threatens the country’s justice system and puts the lives of judicial workers and civilians at risk.

“Targeting judicial facilities and civilians violates international humanitarian law, undermines justice and endangers judicial workers and civilians,” the group said.

The group has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the attack and urged authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

It also called for an immediate end to attacks against civilians and civilian and judicial facilities, while urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and the independence of the judiciary.

Drone attacks have increasingly become a major threat to civilians in Sudan. The United Nations has reported that drones were responsible for more than 80 per cent of civilian fatalities recorded during the first four months of 2026, with at least 880 people killed.

The UN has also warned that drone attacks are continuing in North Kordofan as the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces compete for control of strategic towns.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission has raised concerns over foreign fighters, weapons and military networks supporting the warring sides and strengthening their drone capabilities.

Mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman said civilians are bearing the greatest cost of the continued external support.

“Civilians pay the price through attacks on homes, hospitals, schools, markets and places of refuge,” Othman said.

Government speeds up sh12b Mombasa special economic zone development to unlock regional trade hub

By
Newton Ingui
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0

Investment, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the development of the Sh12 billion Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa, positioning it as a pivotal driver for East Africa’s industrial and logistics growth.

The project, spread across a 535-acre parcel in Jomvu, aims to attract global and domestic capital across manufacturing, value addition, energy, and maritime transport. Developed under a strategic partnership involving Mombasa Free Zone Ltd, global trade operator DP World, and the County Government of Mombasa, the initiative is projected to generate nearly 8,000 direct jobs while expanding Kenya’s export capacity.

During an inspection tour of the Coast region’s industrial hubs, CS Kinyanjui emphasized that the State is actively eliminating infrastructure bottlenecks—including internal connectivity, water, and power supply—to create a fully serviced environment for investors.

“The role of government is to create the necessary incentives for the private sector to invest,” Kinyanjui noted, highlighting that the economic zone will serve both domestic and international markets through integrated port infrastructure and the Northern Corridor.

Over US$100 million (Sh12 billion) in private sector investment aimed at creating 7,972 direct jobs and supporting thousands of indirect opportunities in logistics, engineering, and supply chains.

Key manufacturing and infrastructure initiatives—such as pharmaceutical glass production by Milly Glass and regional energy storage facilities—are leading private capital deployment.

Direct integration with the Port of Mombasa, supported by targeted road link developments within 120 days and preferential power tariffs (Sh10 per kWh) to lower operational costs for manufacturers.

Designed to leverage regional free-trade frameworks, including the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The acceleration of the Mombasa SEZ aligns with the national Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), shifting Kenya from an importer of finished goods to a regional processing and manufacturing power house.

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