Nairobi, KENYA: The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission IEBC on Tuesday re-advertised the tender for the procurement of ballot papers, election results declaration forms and poll registers.
This tender was previously awarded to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company where the award was challenged by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority PPRA and the appeal was defeated.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has since assured Kenyans that elections will take place on 8 Aug 17 as per the constitution.
“I want to assure you that the period we have is sufficient to finalize the procurement process and to have this strategic material available within the timelines internationally recommended, which is at least 2 months before elections,” said Mr. Chebukati during a press briefing with journalists in Nairobi.
However, Mr. Chebukati regretted the delays being witnessed in the in acquisition of the technology that would help in biometric registration.
“ The tender for the Kenya Integrated Election Management System KIEMS was also challenged by the PPRA on 28 Dec 16 and the appeal withdrawn on 20 Jan 17 giving way for the procurement to proceed and close on 2 Feb 17. As per the provisions of the Procurement Act, the Commission proceeded with the next stage of evaluation of the bids,” he noted.
He added that on 22 Feb 17 a firm lodged an appeal with PPRA.
“As per the law, that procurement process has been stopped and PPRA has 21 days to decide on the matter,” he remarked.
The IEBC by law is expected to establish an integrated electronic electoral system which is required to integrate biometric voter registration, electronic voter identification and electronic transmission of results.