The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has recorded the registration of 20,754 new voters across Kenya during the second week of its ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
In the same period, 3,207 citizens updated their voting locations, and 61 individuals revised personal details as of October 8, 2025.
In a statement released Friday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon highlighted that the registration initiative, running in all 290 constituency offices, fulfills the Commission’s constitutional role under Article 88 to maintain a current and accurate voters’ register.
“Your participation is vital in strengthening the foundation of free, fair, and credible elections,” Ethekon said, while thanking Kenyans who have already registered, transferred, or updated their records.
Data from the Commission shows that Nairobi County led in new voter registrations with 4,804, followed by Mombasa at 1,379, Kiambu 1,203, Machakos 923, and Kakamega 608. Other counties making significant contributions included Murang’a (588), Siaya (564), Busia (427), and Laikipia (165).
Despite the progress, IEBC pointed out that registration among young voters is still lower than anticipated. The Commission has set a nationwide target of 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a focus on citizens who recently turned 18.
“The Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take this opportunity to register and make their voices count in the 2027 polls,” the statement emphasized.
The Commission noted that voter registration is suspended in 24 constituencies preparing for by-elections on November 27, 2025. Citizens are encouraged to visit their local constituency offices to register as new voters or update their existing records.
“Your vote begins with registration. Your voice matters. Your future depends on it,” the Commission reminded the public, affirming its commitment to openness, inclusivity, and accountability as the country prepares for elections.
On October 3, IEBC upgraded its biometric registration system. Previously, registration relied on fingerprints and photographs, but the new system now incorporates iris scanning. Ethekon explained, “The iris provides an alternative means of voter identification should fingerprint recognition fail.”
The Elections Act allows for multiple forms of biometric verification, including fingerprints, iris patterns, retina scans, DNA, voice waves, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, and signatures. The Commission assured Kenyans that all data collected will be protected under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
“All data collected during voter registration is securely stored, accessed solely by duly authorised officers and applied strictly for its legally prescribed purposes,” the statement said. Ethekon also cautioned that “any unauthorised access, misuse, or compromise of voter data will attract the full sanctions of the law.”