Former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi has proposed a significant reduction in the number of polling stations in Kenya, arguing that the move would help curb the high costs associated with managing elections. Appearing before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel on Monday, Amadi suggested that the number of polling stations be reduced from the current 46,232 to 22,000.
Amadi based her proposal on voter turnout trends, noting that only about 65 percent of registered voters typically cast their ballots in general elections. Given this reality, she recommended that the IEBC increase the number of voters per polling station from 700 to 1,000 as an administrative measure.
Currently, each polling station in Kenya accommodates a maximum of 700 voters, an increase from the previous cap of 500. Amadi believes that raising this limit further would allow the electoral body to manage elections more efficiently while significantly cutting costs.
“Reducing the number of polling stations would lead to fewer resources being required, including security, transport, staff, and ballot boxes,” she told the selection panel led by Dr. Nelson Makanda. “When the number of polling stations is fixed at the current level, the budget doubles unnecessarily.”
Her proposal aligns with the government’s ongoing austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending. The cost of conducting Kenya’s general elections has been rising steadily, with the IEBC estimating that it will require Ksh 61 billion to manage the 2027 elections.
Amadi further highlighted the need for legal reforms to facilitate these administrative changes. She suggested that the IEBC’s Legal Affairs Committee should identify necessary legislative adjustments and work with Parliament to enact enabling laws.
“We need a legal framework that is enabling rather than restrictive to the administrative process,” she stated. “With the 2027 general elections fast approaching, the incoming IEBC team must work on multiple tasks simultaneously to ensure a stable and efficient electoral system.”
The IEBC selection panel, chaired by Dr. Makanda, is currently interviewing 11 candidates shortlisted for the commission’s chairperson position. The successful candidate will replace the late Wafula Chebukati, who completed his term in 2023 before his passing last month. The interviews are being conducted at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
