The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched an international tender for the printing and delivery of ballot papers and other key election materials ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
In a tender notice published on Tuesday, August 11, the electoral agency invited bids from eligible local and international firms to bid for the supply and deliver ballot papers, tactile folders for voters with visual impairment, registers of voters and statutory election result declaration forms.
The tender, referenced as IEBC/01T/02/2026-2027, is among the commission’s first major procurement processes as preparations for the next General Election gather momentum.
Interested bidders have until September 1, 2026, at noon to submit their applications, according to the tender notice.
The commission said all bids must be accompanied by a bid security of Ksh40 million issued by a reputable financial institution, insurance company, or banker’s cheque and valid for 270 days after the bid submission deadline.
Election Materials in Focus
The procurement of ballot papers is one of the most important aspects of any election process in Kenya. Political parties and stakeholders closely scrutinize the selection of printing firms and the management of election materials.
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The ballot paper contract will cover materials required for the election of the President, Governors, Senators, Woman Representatives, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly.
Besides ballot papers, the successful bidder will be required to supply tactile folders used by visually impaired voters, voter registers and statutory forms used in the declaration of election results.
The commission said tender documents can be obtained from its procurement office at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi or downloaded free of charge from its website and the government procurement portal.
Completed bid documents must be deposited in the tender box located on the 21st floor of Anniversary Towers before the deadline.
Interested firms have been invited to submit their bids before noon on September 1, after which the documents will be opened in the presence of bidders or their representatives who choose to attend.
The ballot paper tender was advertised alongside another international tender for an Election Management System (EMS), which will support key electoral operations ahead of the 2027 vote.
The technology contract covers the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the system together with related hardware and accessories.
Bidders for that contract are required to provide a bid security of Ksh30 million.
Next Steps for IEBC
Following the close of bid submissions on September 1, IEBC is expected to begin evaluating applications from interested firms seeking to secure the ballot paper printing contract.
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The commission will assess the bids in accordance with procurement laws before identifying a successful bidder for the supply and delivery of ballot papers, voter registers, tactile folders and statutory result declaration forms.
Parallel to the procurement process, IEBC is also expected to continue preparations for the 2027 General Election through voter registration, voter education, election technology planning and other operational activities required ahead of the nationwide vote.
The award of the ballot paper contract will mark a key milestone in the commission’s election preparedness program as it moves to secure critical materials needed for the conduct of the 2027 General Election.
The tender notice comes a day after the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) raised concerns over preparations for the 2027 General Election, warning about emerging challenges that could affect the electoral process.
ICJ Kenya called for early action by institutions involved in the management of elections to address potential risks ahead of the vote.
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