IEBC Ordered to Rewrite Critical Election Technology Tender Ahead of 2027 Poll

Kenya’s electoral commission has been ordered to revise a critical technology tender intended to support the 2027 General Election.

The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board found that sections of the tender for the Integrated Elections Management System were not sufficiently clear, certain or objective.

The disputed procurement covers the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance and technical support of election hardware and related equipment.

Questions were raised about evaluation criteria and the ownership of technology and hardware. The board warned that unclear requirements could undermine fairness, transparency and competition among bidders.

However, it did not cancel the procurement. IEBC must correct the disputed sections, publish a compliant document and give prospective bidders at least seven days to consider the changes.

Election technology is one of the most sensitive parts of Kenya’s voting process. Failures involving voter identification, results transmission or equipment management can quickly damage public confidence.

The decision therefore gives IEBC an opportunity to strengthen the process before awarding a contract. Technical requirements must be understandable, politically neutral and independently verifiable.

With the 2027 election approaching, the commission must balance speed with accountability. Rushing a flawed tender could create a deeper crisis later, while prolonged procurement disputes could delay testing and deployment.