Kenya’s Treasury has been asked to remit funds meant for elections earlier enough.
This will stop crippling service delivery by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Uasin Gishu County leaders said IEBC has been complaining of the late remittance of funds.
This, Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago said, is causing challenges in preparation for the 2022 general election.
“We have been having challenges of treasury failing to remit the money on time.
This is causing a lot of disservice to Kenyans,” said Mandago.
Mandago was speaking during the launch of the voter registration exercise Monday.
“If IEBC was properly funded, the 30 days would have been unnecessary; the registration exercise would have taken two weeks,” said Mandago.
The governor urged youths to collect the identification cards which are gathering dust in chiefs’ offices and Huduma Centres.
“Take the voter registration exercise seriously since it is going to count in the coming 2022 general election,” he said.
“Identity cards are valuable documents not only in the elections but also for personal business matters.”
He further asked residents to note the timeline given to acquire the voters card so that they avoid rushing to secure services at the last time.
The sentiments were echoed by County woman representative Gladys Boss Shollei.
Shollei said the youth play a pivotal role in economic development of the nation hence their registration to be voters is of intrinsic value in exercising their democratic right.
‘’I want to ask those who have not yet registered to be voters to come out in large numbers and do so,” Shollei said.
Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar said eligible Kenyans need to be challenged to register and vote in their numbers in order to elect their preferred leaders.
“Voting is your fundamental right and if you cannot acquire the voter’s card so that you can participate in the coming elections, then do not blame anyone for the bad leaders who may be elected,” she said.
County IEBC coordinator Jane GIthonga said that they are targeting a total of 160,000 eligible Kenyans during the voter registration exercise.
“The legal framework that governs elections for now does not allow the use of the Huduma number in the general election,’’ said Githonga.
IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati recently announced that it requires at least Kshs 40.9 billion for smooth 2022 general election.
