The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced major changes to Kenya’s voter registration process as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise kicks off nationwide. The commission is targeting 6.3 million new voters who have recently acquired national ID cards.
Speaking ahead of the launch, IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana revealed that the new system will prioritize accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. One of the biggest updates is the introduction of iris data capture, which will be recorded alongside fingerprints and passport photographs. This marks the first time such biometric details are being collected in Kenya’s voter registration process.
How the New Registration Process Works
At registration centres, Kenyans will first hand over their national ID cards for verification. The details will be automatically scanned into the IEBC kit, eliminating human errors that often occur when details are typed manually. Information such as ID number, serial number, gender, and date of birth will be captured instantly.
The process will also record literacy levels, disability status, and preferred polling stations. Afterward, biometric data—including fingerprints, iris scans, and photos—will be collected. IEBC estimates the entire process will take about 10 minutes, or as little as five minutes for tech-savvy registrants.
Easier Access to Registration Centres
To encourage wider participation, Kenyans will no longer be restricted to registering at polling stations where they plan to vote. For example, a Nairobi resident can register in the city but select a polling station in their rural home county.
Each constituency will now have four registration kits to reduce long queues and support out-of-station registrations. IEBC will also deploy voter registration services in Huduma Centres across the country within a week.
Mukhwana added that the commission is preparing a youth-friendly innovation to appeal to Gen-Z voters, which will be unveiled by IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon soon.
With these new measures, the IEBC aims to boost transparency, eliminate duplication, and ensure millions of Kenyans are ready to cast their ballots in 2027.
