The location of the IEBC headquarters within Nairobi Central Business District poses a security threat, a report of the electoral agency has shown.
The Post-Election Evaluation Report for the August 9, 2022 General Election shows the location of IEBC offices not only poses a threat to the commission and its staff but other tenants at the building and surrounding areas.
“Many a time there have been protests and demonstrations that not only interfere with the commission's work, but also hamper the operations of other tenants at its current location at Anniversary Towers,” it said.
The report further said there has been a growing human resource capacity that demands for more office space that makes it prudent for the commission to acquire its own headquarters.
“This will in the long run reduce the expenses spent on rent and allow the commission to diversify and establish a modern resource centre and training institution on conduct of elections,” it added.
In the run up to the August 2017 election, politicians and supporters of National Super Alliance held numerous anti-IEBC protests that affected businesses within the CBD, with those along Waiyaki Way suffering the most.
Last September, police were forced to lob teargas to disperse Azimio la Umoja legislators and activists protesting interdiction of IEBC deputy chief executive officer, Ruth Kulundu.
In May 2018, the electoral agency announced it had embarked on a process of moving its headquarters outside the Central Business District to enable it undertake its mandate effectively.
Former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati told the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that the commission was hoping to either buy or construct a building that will serve as its headquarters.
Chebukati said the Sh100 million spent annually on rent excludes hiring of venues for the commission’s activities such as training and meetings.