NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has asked Kenyans who registered as voters before 2012 to register afresh, clarifying that they are not captured in the current biometric voters’ roll unless they later updated their details.
In a status update on the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR), IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the existing Register of Voters (RoV) only includes citizens who registered after the introduction of biometric systems in 2012 or those who re-enrolled under the new framework.
“The current biometric Register of Voters came into operation in 2012… individuals who had previously enrolled as voters before 2012 are not part of the current register unless they subsequently presented themselves for fresh registration,” Ethekon said.
Push to clean up voter register
The clarification comes as the commission ramps up efforts to build a credible and updated voter roll ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Biometric voter registration was introduced following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and reforms under the Elections Act 2012, aimed at eliminating fraud and enhancing electoral integrity.
IEBC says requiring fresh registration for pre-2012 voters ensures all entries in the database are backed by biometric data, reducing cases of duplication and illegal transfers.
Over 340,000 new voters registered
Since the launch of the ECVR exercise on March 30, the commission has registered 344,316 new voters as of April 2. A further 18,610 voters have transferred polling stations, while 329 updated their details.
The month-long exercise targets 2.5 million new voters across the country.
Nairobi City leads in new registrations with 42,417 voters, followed by Kiambu (18,252) and Nakuru (14,324), reflecting strong urban turnout.
No need to travel home
IEBC also clarified that Kenyans do not need to return to their rural homes to register. The use of mobile biometric kits allows citizens to register anywhere and choose their preferred polling station.
However, those seeking to transfer their voting location must physically present themselves at the constituency office of their new polling area and submit fresh biometric data, in line with legal requirements.
The commission warned that the exercise will end on April 28 with no extension, urging eligible voters, especially young people and first-time voters, to register early.
“Participation in voter registration is a fundamental civic responsibility,” Ethekon said, calling on Kenyans to mobilise friends and family.
The IEBC has themed the exercise “Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration,” positioning it as a critical step in shaping the country’s political future.
