New IEBC Chairperson to Earn Sh990,000 Monthly as 2027 Elections Budget Soars

The new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to receive a monthly salary of Sh990,000, as per the latest government salary guidelines for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This lucrative package reflects the weighty responsibilities associated with overseeing Kenya’s electoral processes, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust in the system.

Breakdown of the Chairperson’s Salary

The chairperson’s monthly pay comprises:

• Basic salary: Sh594,000
• House allowance: Sh200,000
• Market adjustment allowance: Sh196,000

Apart from the salary, the chairperson is entitled to several benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage for themselves, their spouse, and dependent children. The position demands accountability, independence, and resilience, given the crucial role the commission plays in Kenya’s democracy.

Possible Salary Adjustments

This salary, however, is not set in stone. The upcoming national budget reading in June 2025 could lead to adjustments, depending on the government’s fiscal policies and economic considerations. Public servants’ salaries, including those of the IEBC officials, are often subject to revisions based on budgetary allocations and broader economic conditions.

IEBC’s Sh61.7 Billion Budget Proposal for 2027 Elections

Even as the new chairperson’s salary attracts attention, the IEBC has proposed a staggering budget of Sh61.7 billion for the 2027 general elections, a significant increase from the Sh46 billion allocated for the 2022 elections. This marks a Sh15.7 billion rise, underscoring the rising costs of conducting elections in the country.

The funds will be allocated to key electoral activities, including:

• Voter registration
• Election preparedness
• Acquisition and distribution of electoral materials
• Training of election officials
• Strengthening technology infrastructure to prevent electoral malpractices

Scrutiny on IEBC’s Spending

As Kenya gears up for the 2027 elections, there will be intense scrutiny on how IEBC utilizes these funds. The commission has faced criticism in the past over election expenditures, prompting calls for enhanced transparency and accountability.

With a new chairperson at the helm and a record-breaking budget proposal, Kenyans will be watching closely to see if these resources translate into a smoother, more credible electoral process.

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New IEBC Chairperson to Earn Sh990,000 Monthly as 2027 Elections Budget Soars