IEBC cancels management systems tender, to use ‘alternative’ voter verification in August polls

dennis kibet

February 28, 2017 4:39 PM

According to the IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, the move was necessitated in order to mitigate against risks that may undermine the entire electoral process.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said it has cancelled the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) tender that was to be used in the August elections.

The system which was to be put in place by March, was to be used for the voter verification process that is to commence on May as per the law.

However, according to international best practices, the technology should normally be completed two years before a major electoral event.

"We regret the delays in acquisition of this technology but we remain resolved to deliver a credible, free and fair general election on August 8, 2017," Chebukati said during a press conference on Tuesday.

'Alternative' process

Chebukati said that the Commission will now put in place 'alternative' measures to ensure that the integrated electronic technology provided for in Elections Laws (Amendment) Act 2016, section 44 is in place by the legal timelines and on time for the May biometric voter verification process.

"We shall not accept to be held captive by firms or individuals pursuing “tender wars” to the detriment of credible, free and fair elections," Chebukati said.

He says the commissioners are reviewing alternatives that can be employed to ensure there is an accurate verification process in place ahead of the election considering the remaining time is insufficient to start re-advertising for the tender of a verification system.

The commission however says there is sufficient time to re-advertise the ballot papers printing tender following a court order that cancelled the Sh2.5 billion tender awarded to a Dubai-based firm.

dennis kibet