Former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi has called for a drastic reduction in the number of polling stations in Kenya, arguing that the move could significantly cut election expenses ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel on Monday, March 24, 2025, Amadi proposed slashing the current 46,232 polling stations to 22,000.
“If we streamline our polling stations and increase the voter capacity per station, we will eliminate unnecessary expenditure,” Amadi stated. “It’s about maximizing efficiency while maintaining electoral integrity.”
Under the current system, each polling station is capped at 700 voters, a number that Amadi believes should be increased to 1,000. She argued that the low voter turnout in past elections, which averages around 65 percent, does not justify the high number of polling stations.
Her proposal comes at a time when the IEBC is preparing for the 2027 elections, with a projected budget of Ksh61 billion. Amadi insists that reducing polling stations could ease financial strain without compromising the voting process.
“The cost of elections continues to escalate,” she told the panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda. “A leaner, well-managed polling system will require fewer security personnel, ballot boxes and logistical resources.”
Her suggestion aligns with the government’s broader austerity measures, aimed at cutting public expenditure. However, she acknowledged that the proposal would require legislative reforms.
“We must review our electoral laws to empower the IEBC administratively,” she said. “Parliament has a role to play in ensuring that reforms are implemented effectively before the next election.”
Amadi’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions from political analysts and election observers. While some support cost-cutting measures, others fear that fewer polling stations could lead to congestion and delays on voting day.
The IEBC selection panel is currently interviewing 11 candidates for the position of IEBC chairperson. The interviews are being conducted at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
