IEBC Rolls Out Iris Recognition in Voter Registration

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has integrated iris identification technology into its Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS) kits for the continuous voter registration exercise, which commenced on Monday, September 29, 2025. This new biometric feature complements existing fingerprint and facial recognition methods, providing an additional layer of security and an alternative means of voter identification.

According to Godfrey Ngunyi, an IEBC Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, iris patterns offer a highly unique and stable identifier, unlike fingerprints which can be subject to change over time due to various factors, including manual labour. The IEBC's Director of Voter Education, Partnerships, and Communication, Ms. Joyce Ekuam, clarified that while iris capture is now an option, it is not mandatory for voter registration. Kenyans uncomfortable with providing iris data can still register using other biometric identifiers.

Historical and Political Context of Electoral Technology in Kenya

Kenya's journey with electoral technology gained significant momentum following the 2007 post-election violence. The Kriegler report, which investigated the violence, recommended the use of technology to enhance public confidence in election outcomes. This led to the gradual implementation of various technologies, including Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) systems, Electronic Voter Identification (EVID), and Results Transmission Systems (RTS), collectively forming the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS).

The Elections Act, 2011, as amended in 2016 and 2017, empowers the IEBC to deploy appropriate technology in the electoral process and mandates a complementary mechanism for voter identification and results transmission. The introduction of iris recognition aligns with Section 2 of the Elections Act, which defines biometrics to include iris patterns.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The legal framework governing the use of technology in Kenyan elections is primarily enshrined in Article 86(a) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and Sections 6A, 39, and 44 of the Elections Act. These provisions require any system adopted by the Commission to be simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable, and transparent.

The IEBC has also assured the public that all voter data, including the newly captured iris information, will be handled in strict compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. This legislation is crucial in safeguarding individual privacy and ensuring transparent and lawful processing of personal data in electoral processes.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has acknowledged the potential of iris scans to strengthen voter verification but has simultaneously raised concerns regarding data privacy and protection. ELOG has urged the IEBC to provide clear explanations on how iris data will be securely stored and used, and to disclose whether a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) was conducted prior to its implementation.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has reiterated the Commission's commitment to ensuring accessible, inclusive, transparent, and efficient voter registration services. He emphasized that the additional option of iris data is intended to strengthen verification processes.

Evidence and Data

As of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the IEBC reported 20,754 new voter registrations and 3,207 voter transfers since the continuous voter registration exercise began on September 29, 2025. Nairobi County leads in new registrations with 4,804 voters, followed by Mombasa (1,379) and Kiambu (1,203). Despite this progress, the overall turnout among the targeted youth remains lower than anticipated, with the IEBC aiming to register 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Risks and Implications

While iris recognition offers enhanced accuracy and reliability in voter identification, concerns persist regarding data privacy and the potential for misuse of highly personal and immutable identifiers. The cost of implementing and maintaining such advanced technology, estimated at approximately KSh 7 billion for the wider technology upgrade, also presents a significant financial implication. Furthermore, environmental factors like bright lighting or reflective surfaces can interfere with iris scanning, potentially affecting performance.

Unknowns and Controversies

Key unanswered questions revolve around the specific security protocols for storing and protecting iris scan data, and whether a comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessment was indeed conducted and its findings made public. The low voter turnout in the initial weeks of the registration exercise, particularly among the youth, also raises questions about public trust and awareness regarding the new system.

Timeline and Next Steps

The continuous voter registration exercise is ongoing in 278 constituencies and 57 Huduma Centres across the country. The IEBC aims to register 6.3 million new voters by the 2027 General Election. Voter registration is currently not being conducted in 24 electoral areas with by-elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2025.

What to Watch

Observers will be closely watching the IEBC's efforts to address data privacy concerns, enhance public awareness, and boost voter registration numbers, especially among the youth. The transparency of the data handling processes and the overall effectiveness of the new technology in the upcoming by-elections will be critical indicators of its success.

Related Stories

• IEBC's push for 6.3 million new voters ahead of 2027 polls.
• The role of technology in ensuring credible elections in Kenya.
• Data protection and privacy concerns in Kenya's digital landscape.