Last batch of ballot papers set to be delivered today, IEBC confirms
Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Wafula Chebukati has confirmed the last batch of ballot papers will be delivered today ahead of the elections set for next Tuesday.
While responding to queries raised by Azimio One Kenya Coalition in regards to its preparedness ahead of the much-anticipated elections, Chebukati added that all the 46,229 polling stations in the country have been gazetted.
Chebukati also made it clear that all KIEMS kits are ready for dispatch, with six backup KIEMS kits set to be supplied per ward as the electoral body prepares to conduct the elections.
“All KIEMS Kits have been prepared and ready for dispatch to the Returning Officers before deployment of election officials and materials. All KIEMS Kits have accompanying power banks which will be fully charged before deployment,” Chebukati said.
The chairman further said the commission has put in place a logistical plan to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of the election materials.
“We have a robust election logistical plan to ensure timely, accurate, and efficient delivery of election materials. In addition, the Commission has contracted experienced third-party service providers to support its logistical function,” Chebukati said.
In the event of network failure, the Commission said the KIEMS kit is fitted with both primary and secondary GSM sim cards to ensure continuity. Satellite modems will be deployed as a backup.
“The KIEMS kit is fitted with both primary and secondary GSM sim cards to ensure continuity of the network in case one fails. The Commission will also deploy satellite modems as backup and in the event of failure,” Chebukati added.
To facilitate the transmission of results in the 290 Constituencies, IEBC will provide stand-by generators in addition to the grid power.
At the same time, the election body responded to queries about the way forward in case there is a power blackout on election day and the KlEMS kits run out of charge.
Chebukati assured Kenyans that the KIEMS kits have additional two power banks each, capable of carrying it through the voting and transmission exercise.
