The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revived its plan to relocate, seeking Ksh3.5 billion to build a permanent office away from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
IEBC officials say the move aims to cut down on recurrent expenses and avoid interruptions caused by demonstrations, while also giving the Commission a stable and secure base of operations.
Appearing before the Senate’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan revealed that the Commission hopes to begin construction of the new Uchaguzi Centre in July 2026 provided funds are available.
He said IEBC is seeking an initial Ksh201 million in the financial year ending June 2027, with an additional Ksh602 million expected in the following year to jumpstart the project.
“The acquisition of the Commission’s premises would cut recurrent costs such as office space rent, hiring venues for commission activities, including meetings with stakeholders, nomination of candidates, training for staff and stakeholders, and storage/warehousing for strategic and non-strategic materials. In the long run, this would save Kenyan taxpayers’ money,”Marjan told the committee.
The Commission currently operates from Anniversary Towers in Nairobi’s city centre, a building owned by Kenya Re, where it pays at least Ksh100 million annually in rent.
According to CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, this figure doesn’t include the extra costs the Commission incurs for renting external meeting venues and securing storage facilities.
Marjan explained that once completed, the proposed Uchaguzi Centre will become IEBC’s permanent headquarters.
The new facility is expected to significantly reduce operational costs, strengthen security, and help minimize disruptions in Nairobi’s commercial hub during future election periods.
