Kenya Insights

Tag: IEBC voter registration

  • IEBC To Launch Online Voter Registration Targeting Gen-Zs Ahead Of 2027

    IEBC To Launch Online Voter Registration Targeting Gen-Zs Ahead Of 2027

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to roll out a new digital platform aimed at simplifying voter registration, particularly for the youth.

    The system will allow citizens to complete registration forms online, with physical visits to registration centres required only for biometric verification.

    This initiative is part of the Commission’s drive to boost participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    Speaking at a prayer breakfast on Wednesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon described the platform: “We are introducing a digital platform where you have a link, a pre-registration form, you can fill all your details, and all you need to do is walk into the nearest Huduma or registration centre and give your fingerprints.”

    Ethekon emphasised that registering more voters is central to preparations for the 2027 elections.

    The Commission plans to enrol 6.3 million new voters – including those who recently turned 18 and unregistered citizens – and to assist those wishing to transfer their registration to other polling stations.

    The first phase of the registration exercise has already brought in around 200,000 new voters. Despite the relatively low initial numbers, Ethekon stressed that the Commission’s outreach at the constituency level continues, with a nationwide push scheduled for March.

    “We are not worried because of the low numbers. Continuous voter registration is based at the constituency level. We plan to roll out a mass voter registration in March, and through that we will set up registration centres in every village,” he said.

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that the voter roll is accurate and represents all eligible citizens. Ethekon also appealed to religious leaders, media practitioners, and stakeholders to play a role in “making 2027 the best election in the history of Kenya.”

    The Chairperson acknowledged challenges that could slow down the registration drive. Limited budgets, he said, may restrict the Commission’s ability to reach young people, vulnerable groups, and communities with limited digital access.

    “Without these budgets, we will be incapacitated to reach out to these young people, vulnerable persons and places without the digital media,” he said.

    Other hurdles include pending legal reforms such as the 2/3 gender rule, which aims to increase women’s participation in politics.

    Ethekon also cautioned that the reduction of the Commission’s requested election budget from Sh61.7 billion to Sh57.3 billion could affect operations, potentially forcing a scale-down of staff at polling stations and the national tallying centre.

    Currently, Kenya has 22.1 million registered voters. IEBC expects this figure to rise to 28.4 million by the 2027 elections.

  • Concerns of Voter Apathy As IEBC Registers Only 20,000 Against 6 Million New Voters Target In Second Week

    Concerns of Voter Apathy As IEBC Registers Only 20,000 Against 6 Million New Voters Target In Second Week

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has expressed concern over low voter registration numbers, with only 20,754 Kenyans registering as new voters by the end of the second week of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

    The figures, released on Friday, paint a worrying picture for the electoral body which has set an ambitious target of 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    As of October 8, 2025, the commission had also recorded 3,207 transfers and 61 updates at its constituency offices nationwide.

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon acknowledged the progress made so far but warned that the current pace falls far short of what is needed to meet the registration target.

    He singled out youth turnout as particularly disappointing, noting that the demographic remains largely absent from registration centres despite being a key target group.

    “While we commend this progress, turnout among the targeted youth remains lower than expected. With a national target of 6.3 million new voters, the Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take this opportunity to register and make their voices count,” Ethekon said in a statement.

    The registration figures reveal stark regional disparities across the country.

    Nairobi County leads with 4,804 new registrations and 1,105 transfers, followed by Mombasa County with 1,379 new voters and 481 transfers.

    Kiambu County registered 1,203 new voters and 282 transfers, while Nakuru and Machakos counties recorded 840 and 923 new registrations respectively.

    At the other end of the spectrum, Nyamira County registered the lowest turnout with only 18 new voters. Other counties struggling with registration include Lamu with 36, Tana River with 42, Samburu with 67, Tharaka Nithi with 70, Elgeyo Marakwet with 75, and Turkana with 148 new registrations.

    The IEBC chairman appealed to Kenyans who have already participated in the exercise, noting that their involvement is crucial in building a credible electoral process. He emphasized that voter registration is the foundation upon which democratic participation rests.

    “The Commission appreciates the many Kenyans who have already registered, updated their details, or transferred their voter records. Your participation is vital in strengthening the foundation of free, fair, and credible elections,” Ethekon said.

    The commission has intensified its appeal to eligible citizens, particularly young Kenyans, to visit their nearest constituency offices and register.

    Ethekon stressed that participation in elections begins with registration, warning that those who fail to register will have forfeited their right to influence the country’s leadership.

    “Your vote begins with registration. Your voice matters. Your future depends on it,” the IEBC chairman said, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

    The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is being conducted across all 290 constituency offices in the country, with the exception of 24 electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled for November 27, 2025. The commission has assured Kenyans that it remains committed to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register ahead of the next general election.

    However, with the current registration rate yielding just over 20,000 new voters in two weeks, questions are emerging about whether the commission will meet its ambitious 6.3 million target. At the current pace, it would take the IEBC over six years of continuous registration to achieve its goal, a timeline that far exceeds the period remaining before the 2027 polls.

    The low turnout has sparked concerns about voter apathy, particularly among the youth who represent a significant portion of the targeted new voters. Political analysts have attributed the poor showing to a combination of factors including disillusionment with the political process, lack of awareness about the registration exercise, and logistical challenges that make it difficult for young people to access constituency offices during working hours.

    The IEBC has indicated it will continue monitoring the registration numbers closely and may consider additional mobilization strategies to encourage more Kenyans to participate in the exercise.

    IEBC staff during voters registration.
    IEBC staff during voters registration.
  • IEBC Launches Ambitious Registration Drive, Targets 6 Million Gen Zs: How and Where to Apply

    IEBC Launches Ambitious Registration Drive, Targets 6 Million Gen Zs: How and Where to Apply

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has embarked on what could be the most significant voter mobilisation exercise in Kenya’s democratic history, targeting an estimated 6.3 million new voters with Generation Z at the heart of the campaign.

    The Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which resumes tomorrow, represents a critical juncture for Kenya’s electoral landscape as the commission seeks to capture the political energy of young Kenyans who have increasingly asserted their voice in national affairs.

    IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon announced that the exercise will run until November 27, 2025, with registration centres operating across all 290 constituencies except in areas currently scheduled for by-elections.

    The commission has identified youth aged between 18 and 27 as the primary target demographic, recognising their potential to reshape Kenya’s political trajectory.

    “The youth represent the future of our democracy, and their participation is crucial for legitimate electoral outcomes,” Ethekon stated during the launch ceremony.

    The commission’s data indicates that approximately 2.1 million Kenyans turned 18 in the past year alone, with projections suggesting that 7.8 million citizens between 18 and 27 remain unregistered.

    The registration process has been streamlined to accommodate the tech-savvy generation, with services available at all constituency offices from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

    Citizens seeking to register must present either a valid Kenyan Identity Card or passport, be at least 18 years old, and must not have been previously registered as voters.

    Beyond new registrations, the exercise offers comprehensive electoral services including correction of voter details, transfers to new electoral areas, and verification of existing registration through the commission’s online portal at verify.iebc.or.ke.

    The initiative comes at a time when young Kenyans have demonstrated unprecedented political engagement, particularly following recent nationwide protests over governance issues.

    Political analysts suggest this demographic shift could significantly influence future electoral outcomes, with parties already adjusting their messaging to appeal to younger voters.

    However, the commission faces considerable logistical challenges in reaching rural areas where many eligible youth reside.

    Transportation costs and limited awareness remain significant barriers, prompting calls for enhanced civic education programmes and mobile registration units.

    Civil society organisations have welcomed the initiative while emphasising the need for sustained voter education.

    Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association Secretary General noted that registration alone is insufficient without corresponding efforts to educate voters about their rights and responsibilities.

    The commission has also clarified that individuals previously convicted of election offences within the past five years, those declared of unsound mind, or those who have recently changed their residence must complete additional verification processes.

    With Kenya’s political landscape increasingly shaped by youthful voices demanding accountability and change, the success of this registration drive could determine not just electoral participation rates but the very character of future democratic discourse in the country.

    The commission expects to release preliminary registration figures by the end of October, providing the first indication of whether this ambitious target will be achieved.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​