IEBC tender challenges dismissed as election procurement moves forward

The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board has dismissed two challenges to IEBC tenders for election technology and ballot materials, directing the commission to continue both procurement processes to their lawful conclusion.

The decisions were issued on 14 October in applications 192 and 195 of 2026. Leading Edge Limited challenged the tender for the Integrated Elections Management System, hardware and accessories; Westend Limited challenged the procurement of ballot papers, tactile folders, voter registers and statutory results forms.

In the technology case, the board examined objections covering qualification criteria, joint ventures, subcontractors, local content, financial thresholds, sample submissions and payment arrangements. It found insufficient grounds to grant the relief sought.

Each applicant was ordered to pay IEBC’s respondents Sh2 million in costs. The final orders in both decisions instruct the accounting officer to proceed with the relevant tender.

The rulings resolve these administrative challenges. They do not award either contract to a supplier, confirm delivery of election equipment or establish that all later procurement steps have been completed.