NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that 7,048 new voters have been registered within the first four days of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, with Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Kakamega counties leading the numbers.
In a statement released on Friday, October 3, the IEBC said the strong turnout reflects growing public confidence ahead of the November 2025 by-elections. The commission also confirmed that it has begun deploying a new iris biometric identification system to enhance accuracy and prevent cases of multiple registrations.
“The use of iris recognition is a major step in securing the integrity of the voter register. It will complement fingerprint and facial data, ensuring no duplication of voter details,” the IEBC said.
The first phase of the registration drive targets youth and first-time voters, with IEBC teams stationed in all 57 Huduma Centres nationwide.
Officials said the goal is to register at least one million new voters before the end of the financial year, forming part of broader electoral preparedness for the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon expressed optimism over the exercise, noting that technological upgrades will significantly strengthen Kenya’s election infrastructure.
“We are leveraging innovation to build trust and transparency in the electoral process. Every new voter counts towards a stronger democracy,” he said.
Counties recording the highest registration figures include Nairobi (1,242), Kiambu (864), Nakuru (736), Kakamega (704), and Kisumu (510). Northern frontier counties such as Marsabit and Wajir recorded lower numbers, which the commission attributed to logistical challenges and voter apathy.
Governance experts have commended IEBC’s modernization drive, saying it could help restore public confidence after the contentious 2022 election.
“Adopting advanced biometrics like iris scanning puts Kenya ahead of many African states in electoral technology,” noted political analyst Dr. Sheila Ominde.
However, civil society organizations have urged the IEBC to intensify voter education and outreach in remote areas. “Technology alone is not enough; inclusion must remain central,” said National Integrity Alliance coordinator Samuel Kimeu.
As the registration exercise continues, IEBC has assured Kenyans that data privacy will remain a top priority and that all biometric information will be stored securely in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
For millions of unregistered citizens, the ongoing drive offers a crucial opportunity to secure their democratic voice, and for the electoral body, a renewed chance to rebuild trust in Kenya’s electoral process.
