NAIROBI, KENYA – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 90,020 new voters in its latest Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, according to official data released by the commission covering the period up to Tuesday, October 31, 2025, EAT. The figures, announced by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, show that Nairobi and Kiambu counties alone accounted for over 29% of all new registrants, highlighting a significant concentration of new voters in the capital and its environs.

The CVR exercise, which commenced on Monday, September 29, 2025, is a critical component of the IEBC's preparation for the 2027 General Election. According to the detailed breakdown, Nairobi City County led the nation with 16,512 new voters. It was followed by Kiambu County, which added 9,917 new voters to the roll. Other counties with high registration numbers include Machakos with 4,026, Mombasa with 3,967, and Nakuru with 3,265.

Regional Disparities and Political Implications

The data reveals a stark contrast between high-growth urban centers and sparsely populated or rural counties. Tana River County recorded the lowest number of new voters with just 130, followed by Marsabit (284), Isiolo (312), Samburu (319), and Elgeyo Marakwet (330). This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges of mobilizing voters in remote regions and raises questions about equitable access to the registration process.

Political analysts are closely watching these trends, as the concentration of new voters in specific regions could influence electoral outcomes. Nairobi and Kiambu are populous counties with significant weight in presidential elections. The high intake in these areas, along with Mombasa, suggests a potential focus for political party mobilization efforts. The report also detailed 15,619 voter transfers, with Nairobi again leading with 5,388, indicating significant voter migration, primarily towards the capital.

Concerns Over Youth Apathy and Missed Targets

Despite the progress, the total of 90,020 new voters falls significantly short of the IEBC's ambitious target of registering 6.3 million new voters, a majority of whom are expected to be youth. Early in the registration drive, organizations like the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) warned that the pace of registration was too slow to meet the target, citing a need for intensified civic education and mobilization. As of October 8, 2025, only 20,754 new voters had been registered, prompting concerns over voter apathy, particularly among young people who have recently attained voting age.

Historically, youth participation in Kenyan elections has been a persistent challenge. Despite comprising approximately 75% of the population, Kenyans under 35 have shown declining registration rates. In the 2022 election cycle, the IEBC targeted six million new voters but only managed to enroll 2.5 million. Analysts attribute this trend to disillusionment with the political process, economic hardships, and a perception that votes do not lead to meaningful change.

The Path Forward

In his statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized the commission's commitment to maintaining a credible and up-to-date voter register, calling it the “cornerstone of free, fair, and transparent elections.” He urged political parties, civil society, and faith-based organizations to support the national exercise by encouraging eligible citizens to register. The CVR exercise is conducted continuously at the IEBC's 290 constituency offices nationwide. However, the commission noted that registration was not conducted in 24 electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2025, EAT.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 electoral cycle, the ability of the IEBC and other stakeholders to engage and register millions of eligible but unregistered Kenyans, especially the youth, will be a determining factor in the shape and outcome of the next General Election. The current figures provide a crucial baseline, indicating where mobilization has been successful and where significant work remains to be done.