IEBC's Continuous Voter Registration Progress

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced on Friday, October 10, 2025, that 20,754 new voters were registered nationwide by Wednesday, October 8, during the second week of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Additionally, 3,207 voters transferred their registration details, and 61 individuals updated their particulars. This ongoing exercise, which commenced on Monday, September 29, 2025, is being conducted across all 290 constituency offices, excluding 24 electoral areas with by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.

Regional Disparities and Youth Engagement

Nairobi County leads the country with 4,804 new registrations and 1,105 transfers, followed by Mombasa with 1,379 new voters and 481 transfers. Kiambu County recorded 1,203 new registrations and 282 transfers. Other counties showing notable activity include Machakos (923 new registrations), Nakuru (840), and Kisii (728). However, counties like Nyamira (18 new voters), Lamu (36), and Tana River (42) reported significantly lower numbers.

Despite the progress, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon expressed concern over the lower-than-expected turnout among the targeted youth. The Commission has set an ambitious national target of 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a particular focus on young people who have recently attained the voting age of 18.

Legal Framework and Registration Process

The CVR exercise is mandated by Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which empowers the IEBC to maintain an accurate and up-to-date register of voters. Eligible Kenyans can register at any IEBC Constituency Office by presenting their original national identification card or a valid Kenyan passport. The process involves filling out an Application for Registration form (Form A), after which registered voters receive an acknowledgement slip, though this slip is not required for voting.

Voters are only permitted to register once, and multiple registrations are an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding KSh 100,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Such individuals would also be barred from participating in the immediate and subsequent elections. Voters can also transfer their registration to a new location within the registration period.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

The IEBC has urged all eligible Kenyans, especially the youth, to seize this opportunity to register and ensure their voices are counted in the 2027 polls. The Commission emphasizes that participation is vital in strengthening the foundation of free, fair, and credible elections. The continuous voter registration process will run until eight months before the 2027 General Election.

Evidence/Data Box

• New Voter Registrations (as of October 8, 2025): 20,754
• Voter Transfers: 3,207
• Voter Detail Updates: 61
• National Target for New Voters (2027 GE): 6.3 million
• Leading County (New Registrations): Nairobi (4,804)
• Lowest County (New Registrations): Nyamira (18)
• Source: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) statement, Friday, October 10, 2025.

What to Watch

The IEBC's strategies to boost youth participation in the ongoing CVR exercise will be crucial in the coming months. The Commission's ability to decentralize registration efforts beyond constituency offices to wards and polling stations, once funds are available, could significantly impact registration numbers. Political parties and civil society organizations are also expected to launch their own voter registration drives, which may influence turnout.