The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rolled out a nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, describing it as the heartbeat of the country’s democracy and a cornerstone of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The electoral body said the exercise will run across all 290 constituencies and will be supported by 57 Huduma Centres to ensure wider accessibility.
About 24,128 registration centres have been gazetted, with mobile units expected to reach remote areas. Transfers and corrections will continue to be handled at constituency offices.
Speaking at the launch, IEBC Chairman Erustus Edung Ethekon said the CVR administrative procedure is a process that transforms citizens “from bystanders into active nation-builders.”
He noted that the Constitution of Kenya mandates the Commission to continuously register voters and regularly revise the register.
Chairman Erustus Edung Ethekon added that a credible roll of voters is the foundation of free and fair elections.
The Commission projects that Kenya will have 28.5 million registered voters by 2027.
To achieve this, IEBC has adopted a phased approach, beginning with the ongoing continuous registration, which will be followed by an enhanced registration drive after the November 27, 2025 by-elections. A second enhanced registration phase will begin in the next financial year.
Technology has also been upgraded, with the biometric voter registration module integrated into the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS).
According to IEBC, the upgrade will make the process faster, more secure, and more reliable, while also strengthening the credibility of the tallying process during the election.
Ethekon issued a rallying call to the country’s youth, who make up more than 70 per cent of potential voters.
“To the youth, if you are not yet registered, this is your chance. Registering today is your voice in tomorrow’s election. By building a credible register, we are safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 General Election,” he said.
He reiterated that voter registration is the foundation of democracy and urged Kenyans to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future by ensuring every eligible citizen is counted.
“Today marks the beginning of nationwide voter registration. After the November by-election, we will launch a mass registration drive across the country,” Ethekon said.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu, Chair of the Electoral Operations Committee, noted the importance of voter registration in strengthening Kenya’s democracy.
She described the register as the backbone of electoral preparedness and the guarantee of credible elections, warning that without it, democracy cannot stand.
Mrs. Nderitu added that IEBC had put in place measures to ensure the 2027 polls are fair, accurate and balanced but stressed that citizens must match this commitment by stepping forward to register.
She said collaboration with county governments, civil society organisations and the public would be crucial to the success of the exercise.