Election-related procurement problems have led to the temporary suspension of a KSh 6.5 billion tender by Kenya, creating even more fears as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
IEBC has vehemently denied any accusations that the tender criteria were rigged in favor of the South Korean firm Miru Systems Ltd.
“I want to assure Kenyans that no company has been offered this contract… We will go through a free and fair procurement process, and everyone will be invited,” IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated.
The row occurs in a politically sensitive period during which there have already been questions raised by opposition politicians regarding the conduct of the Kenya elections preparations.
Why Has The IEBC Tender On Election Technology Been Suspended?
This issue arises from the IEBC’s plan to implement an integrated elections management system that includes the provision, installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance and support of election technology.
The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board has temporarily suspended the tender of KSh 6.5 billion due to the complaint made against it by Galadriel Investments Limited.
The case is supposed to be determined in three weeks.
The court case puts more pressure on the commission since it cannot move forward with the tender procurement when the case is still going on before its preparations for the 2027 elections.
How Did IEBC React To The Accusations Against Miru Systems?
After the allegation by the DCP party leader and former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, that the procurement process could lead to rigging of the 2027 presidential election, the dispute became more heated.
The question was whether the tender specifications were made in favor of Miru Systems. Ethekon strongly refuted the allegation.
As pointed out by the IEBC chairperson, the technical requirements are performance-oriented and are based on lessons learned from past elections.
Miru Systems has also not been contracted.
“There has been no awarding to any company,” Ethekon stated, noting that the commission itself is not sure of the companies that may bid for the tender.
It should also be noted that the IEBC has warned the potential bidders against putting pressure and allegations into consideration while choosing the procurement process.
Why Is Election Technology Important Ahead of 2027?
Election technology has become one of the most watched parts of the Kenyan election system.
Multiple processes within the electoral system require the use of technologies, including the management of the electorate, result transmission, and the election process itself. Any controversy related to procurement of the systems can therefore have a broader impact than simply the tender.
The current controversy becomes particularly important due to the close observation of the political parties and electorate to see if the commission is able to demonstrate its transparency ahead of the 2027 election.
As such, the IEBC must ensure that this procurement process remains both competitive and compliant with the laws governing the procurement process.
For the opposition in Kenya, however, this tender has turned out to be another area of worry regarding how the next elections will be conducted.
What Next for the KSh 6.5 Billion Tender?
The most immediate problem will be that of the ruling of the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
In any case, this could either permit the IEBC to proceed with its current procurement process or not.
So far, nothing is officially confirmed on who wins the tender, despite speculations about Miru Systems.
Furthermore, the IEBC has called on potential bidders to exercise their rights under Kenyan procurement law and refrain from exerting any political pressure on the process.
In view of the upcoming 2027 elections in Kenya, the resolution of this dispute may serve as an important test of the ability of the IEBC to prepare the electoral infrastructure of the country.
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