The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a comprehensive training for its officers in Naivasha as part of preparations for Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The programme, overseen by IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, aims to strengthen staff understanding of voter registration procedures and their broader role in the democratic process.
Ethekon told participants that their conduct and interactions define public confidence in the Commission.
“You are the face of the Commission. How you serve, communicate and carry yourselves defines what Kenyans think of the IEBC,” he said.
The training is designed to ensure that every eligible Kenyan, especially those who have recently turned 18 or who have yet to register, can exercise their right to vote. It also targets citizens needing to update personal voter information or transfer registration to new locations.
Ethekon emphasized that staff are more than administrative personnel—they are the frontlines of Kenya’s democracy, visible from polling stations in remote counties to the national headquarters in Nairobi. The Commission described the exercise as critical for preparing officers to provide professional, accessible, and transparent voter services.
In September, Ethekon highlighted several preparatory steps undertaken to guarantee a smooth and credible CVR exercise. These measures include verifying the location and accessibility of registration centres nationwide, conducting constituency-level consultative forums, and consolidating geospatial data to support efficient planning.
Other key activities involve testing and configuring Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, timely distribution of registration materials, and ensuring data protection compliance through a Data Protection Impact Assessment.
“Eligible Kenyans may register at any IEBC Constituency Office, except in areas currently with by-elections. Services available include new voter registration, transfer of voter registration to a new location, correction or update of voter details, and inspection of voter registration status,” Ethekon said.
The Commission stressed that the training is an essential step toward building public trust and ensuring that voter registration is inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the democratic rights of all Kenyans.
