Residents of Tinderet Sub-county have criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for seeking more than Sh74.8 billion in the 2026/2027 Financial Year for the 2027 General Elections.
They termed the figure unrealistic and excessive at a time when the country was struggling economically.
The residents accused public institutions of developing a habit of inflating budgets under the pretext of national assignments, only for accountability gaps and payment complaints to emerge later.
Businessman Collins Kipkoech at Maraba market, said the electoral body should provide a clear and transparent breakdown of how such an amount would be utilized instead of presenting huge figures to the public without sufficient explanation.
He argued that ordinary Kenyans are already weighed down by heavy taxation and the rising cost of living, making it unacceptable for institutions to demand massive allocations without accountability.
“We have reached a point where wananchi are questioning every figure being proposed by government agencies because there has been a trend of exaggerated budgeting. Public institutions must learn to live within realistic financial limits,” said Kipkoech.
At Songhor market, farmer, Rebecca Jepleting, said the proposed budget had angered many residents who feel that taxpayers’ money is often misused while basic services remain poor.
She noted that despite billions being allocated to public agencies every year, workers contracted for national assignments frequently complain of delayed payment of allowances.
“We keep hearing of billions being allocated but when elections or examinations are over, clerks and officials still complain they have not been paid. Kenyans want to know where all this money goes,” said Jepleting.
Youth leader Brian Tanui linked the issue to persistent accountability concerns in public institutions, saying the country has witnessed repeated cases where huge expenditure proposals are later associated with corruption allegations and wastage.
He called on the National Treasury and Parliament to thoroughly scrutinize the IEBC budget before approving any allocation.
Tanui said residents in the Sub County believe institutions should first account for previous allocations before seeking additional billions from taxpayers.
“People are no longer willing to accept figures thrown around casually. Every coin allocated must be accounted for because taxpayers are suffering,” he added.
Teachers in the area also weighed into the debate, citing frustrations experienced by examiners under the Kenya National Examinations Council. Educator Miriam Chepkemoi said it was disturbing that exam markers for last year’s national examinations were reportedly yet to receive their dues despite the council receiving billions in funding annually.
“It becomes contradictory when institutions handling huge budgets cannot pay the people who actually carry out the work. The government must explain why such delays persist,” said Chepkemoi.
Motorcycle operator, Dennis Kibet, argued that the growing public anger reflects declining trust in the management of public finances.
According to him, wananchi have become increasingly suspicious of inflated procurement costs and repeated election-related expenditure, that appears to rise every electoral cycle.
Kibet observed that technology procurement during elections has repeatedly consumed massive amounts of money, yet controversies continue emerging after every General Election.
“Every election cycle comes with higher figures than the previous one, yet ordinary workers still complain of delayed payments. Kenyans are demanding transparency,” he said.
Civil society activist, Ruth Jelagat, urged the government to establish stricter financial oversight mechanisms, to ensure public money is prudently used.
She said agencies seeking large allocations, should be compelled to provide detailed expenditure plans accessible to the public.
Jelagat noted that the residents want the government to prioritize accountability and service delivery, instead of recurrent huge expenditure proposals that burden taxpayers.
As debate over the proposed electoral budget continues across the country, the people insist that public institutions must embrace transparency, prudent spending and timely payment of workers engaged in national assignments.
They maintained that Kenyans are ready to support credible electoral preparations, but only where there is clear accountability and responsible management of public resources.
By Sammy Mwibanda
