IEBC to resume continuous voter registration on September 29

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will resume continuous voter registration across the country starting Monday, September 29, 2025, as it begins preparing for the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said the exercise is part of its constitutional mandate under Article 88(4) and aims to give every eligible Kenyan a chance to take part in the democratic process.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the registration targets new voters, particularly the youth who have reached 18, as well as those seeking to update or correct their information.

“This exercise is a vital step in ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s future through democratic elections. It is particularly directed towards young people who have recently attained 18 years, and all citizens who have not yet registered or need to update their voter information,” he said.

Ethekon said key preparations are already in motion to support a smooth and transparent rollout.

These include mapping registration centres, holding meetings with local stakeholders, collecting geospatial data, testing and setting up the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, as well as the gazettement of registration officers.

Other steps involve the training of registration staff, distribution of materials, running public awareness campaigns, and carrying out data protection checks.

Eligible citizens will be allowed to register at any IEBC Constituency Office, except in areas where by-elections are ongoing.

The services offered will include registration for first-time voters, transfer to a new polling station, correction or update of personal information, and verification of current registration details.

To register, one must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 and above, hold a valid ID or passport, and not be registered in another polling station.

They must also not have been found guilty of an election offence in the last five years, declared to be of unsound mind, or already listed in the current voter roll.

New voters must present their ID or passport, fill in a registration form, and provide both personal and biometric data. They will be issued an acknowledgement slip, although it will not serve as a voting document on election day.

Transfers will be handled at constituency offices and will require voters to complete Form C and go through biometric confirmation.

Already registered voters can also check their details on the IEBC portal at https://verify.iebc.or.ke or by visiting any constituency office.

However, IEBC clarified that this phase of the exercise will not cover Kenyans living abroad or those in correctional facilities.

These groups will be catered for after ongoing policy reviews are completed.

“Further updates will be communicated once the reviews are concluded,” the Commission said.

The Commission called on all Kenyans, especially first-time voters, to take this opportunity seriously.

“The Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, especially the youth who have recently attained voting age, to seize this opportunity and take the first step in shaping the future. Registering to vote is not just a constitutional right; it is a powerful act of responsibility. Your voice matters,” it said.

Ethekon reminded citizens that the next General Election is set for August 10, 2027, and urged them to be part of the democratic journey.

“As we look ahead to the General Election on 10th August 2027, let us commit to building a nation where every voice counts. Let’s be the generation that doesn’t sit back, but stands up, shows up, and votes for Kenya,” he said.