The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) promotes peaceful, just, and inclusive democracy worldwide. We believe that democracy can only thrive when all voices are heard and that inclusive and respectful dialogue between politicians, political parties, civil society, and citizens is crucial to achieving that goal. We build all our democracy support programmes around that core belief, ensuring we help empower everyone – from traditionally marginalized groups to established politicians – to play their role in political life and work for the common good of their Country. We do this by promoting dialogue, strengthening the capacities of political actors, and training young and established leaders in our democratic schools. 

Currently, NIMD runs programmes in around twenty countries in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region. To see all countries where NIMD works, see www.nimd.org/where-we-work. NIMD’s Headquarters are in the political heart of the Netherlands in The Hague. 

To support the work of NIMD Kenya as part of the Promoting Inclusive Electoral Reforms in Kenya (PIER-K) the team is look for a:

Research Consultant

Cost of Elections in Kenya Study

Elections are an essential element of any democracy, as citizens get to elect their representatives for government. Comprehending the costs associated with conducting elections is therefore important for ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient use of the said resources.

In recent years, the cost of conducting elections has increased globally, reflecting growing demands for transparency, security, and inclusivity in the electoral process, as well as factoring in general inflation. Like many other democracies, Kenya faces significant financial pressures associated with ensuring credible, free, and fair elections, including the costs of election technology, security, voter education, logistics and the management of polling stations. Additionally, electoral expenses are driven upwards because of the low levels of trust in and among political actors calling for heightened public scrutiny in the management of electoral processes.

The high cost of elections presents challenges not only for government budgets, but also for the broader democratic framework, as financial constraints can impact the inclusivity and accessibility of elections in Kenya’s resource-strained environments. Thus, understanding the comprehensive costs of elections is essential for developing cost-effective, sustainable electoral systems that do not compromise the quality or legitimacy of the process.

About the Study

The Kenya 2022 European Union Elections Observation Mission (EOM) report identified improvements in the conduct of the last elections compared to 2017. At the same time, many impediments to the consolidation of democratic, transparent, and credible elections have not conclusively been addressed. Key issues included transparency and accuracy around the voter registration; lack of campaign financing regulations and oversight; challenges to the right to stand; inadequate voter education and information campaigns; online harassment and intimidation of female candidates; costs associated with elections; hate speech and disinformation; two-thirds gender rule not legislated and lack of political party incentives to promote participation by minorities, youth, women and persons with disabilities.

This study seeks to further examine and assess costs associated with elections, as highlighted in the Kenya 2022 Elections Observation Mission Report. The research aims to dive deeper into the government’s financial expenditures at various stages of the electoral cycle from voter registration to election administration and dispute resolution associated with election procurement, highlighting the socio-economic and political impact of election costs. This study will not examine the cost for campaigning and holding offices by candidates and elected representatives.

By focusing on Kenya, where electoral processes have substantial economic, social, and political ramifications, this research aims to inform policymakers, political stakeholders, and civil society on strategies to ensure cost-effective and transparent electoral practices, fostering a more resilient democracy.

Objectives

The study aims to develop a more in-depth understanding of the drivers of the cost of elections in Kenya and provide recommendations on safeguarding public spending on elections. To this end, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) as part of the Promoting Inclusive Electoral Reforms in Kenya (PIER-K) consortium is undertaking this study to collate empirical data on election costs, and facilitate evidence-based dialogue among policymakers, election administrators, political parties, civil society organizations, among others. Furthermore, this study aims to contribute to policy reforms and practices that balance cost-efficiency with democratic integrity, ensuring elections remain a pillar in accountable governance in Kenya.

Therefore, the following shall be three key objectives of the study:

1. Identify and analyze the various components and cost drivers of elections in Kenya including the cost of printed election materials, non-printed polling materials, election technology, among others.
2. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of resource allocation and expenditure.
3. Provide recommendations for optimizing election costs while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

Process

1. Inception Report

The first part of this assignment is to do draft the pre-defined research in collaboration with the researcher. These questions can be further fine-tuned during the inception phase and submitted together with the inception report.

2. First Draft

After submission of the first draft, the researcher is expected to participate in a discussion with the PIERK consortium leadership team to review the first findings, and potentially further fine-tune the research questions.

3. Second Draft

After the first round of feedback, a second draft will be produced with draft recommendations. The researcher is expected to present the second draft report to the Consortium team and stakeholders for final feedback and validation.

4. Final Report

Following the workshop, the researcher will finalize the report based on the research and workshop. The final report should also include recommendations.

Methodology

The study will deploy a blend of desk research, financial analysis, stakeholder consultations, and comparative studies.

Deliverables

Inception Report

• Outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline for the assessment.

Interim Report

• Providing preliminary findings and insights from desk research and initial stakeholder consultations.

Final Report

• Detailed analysis of election costs.
• Identification of major cost drivers.
• Recommendations for optimizing election costs and enhancing financial transparency.

Financial arrangements

Payment will be disbursed in three installments upon submission and approval of deliverables by the NIMD Kenya Country Director.

Criteria

The applicant is preferably based in Kenya.

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science, public administration, public finance, law or any other relevant subject area.

Professional Experience

• More than 5 years of experience in conducting research in the areas of politics, elections or governance.
• At least 5 years of experience of working with international and local organizations supporting democratic development.
• Practical experience of working with elected representatives as well as civic and political youth organizations.
• Experience in conducting inclusive, participatory information gathering processes.
• Excellent network of CSOs working in the area of democratic governance with a focus on transparency and accountability.

Competencies

• Demonstrated interpersonal and diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.

How to apply

Interested individual consultants or firms must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Technical proposal with description of relevant previous experience, as well as of proposed methodology for undertaking the current assignment not exceeding 5 pages.
2. Financial proposal in EUR, specifying requested amount per day (fee) and all related costs (e.g. travel, phone calls etc.).
3. CV with two references.

Please submit proposals no later than Friday, 17 January 2025, to infokenya@nimd.org with the subject line: “Cost of Elections Assignment.” Any questions can also be directed to this email address.