Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) party has gone to the High Court to challenge changes the IEBC made to the security specifications for 2027 ballot papers.

The case concerns Tender No. IEBC/OIT/02/2026-2027. On September 17, the IEBC issued an addendum that it called a "technical relaxation to optimise cost and timelines." Under the addendum:

  • multi-coloured serial numbers become single-colour black
  • variable guilloche patterns and micro-text become static
  • metallic foil stamping becomes blind embossing

Watermarks, ultraviolet features and anti-duplication QR codes remain mandatory.

The party argues that the IEBC has not shown the changes keep security at the original level, and it cites Articles 38, 81 and 86 of the Constitution. "We are not claiming the changes automatically made ballot papers insecure," the party said. It is asking the court to quash the changes and order an independent technical assessment.

Justice David Mburu has certified the case urgent. It will be mentioned on October 14, when the court will also consider the request for conservatory orders. The IEBC had not responded publicly at the time of writing.