The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a nationwide mass voter registration drive ahead of the 2027 general elections, but reports indicate low turnout in several counties.
The exercise, officially launched on Monday in Kajiado County, aims to enlist at least 6.3 million new voters while also facilitating transfers for those wishing to change their polling stations. Eligible Kenyans those aged 18 and above who have not registered before are required to present either their original national ID or a valid Kenyan passport at IEBC constituency offices and Huduma Centres.
By Tuesday mid-morning, turnout in Marsabit County remained low. According to Returning Officer Simon Sanchan Lokadio, Moyale constituency recorded the highest number of new registrations, but overall figures were below expectations. He confirmed that Marsabit’s voter roll had grown from 166,912 in 2022 to 214,508, an increase of 47,976 registered voters.
“The turnout is quite low, but in Moyale, the numbers are higher. I encourage people to register early instead of waiting until the last minute,” Lokadio said.
In Embu County, IEBC elections manager Agnes Mutisya also reported a slow start. She explained that registration across three constituencies is ongoing, but Mbeere North residents will have to wait until after the upcoming by-election before they can be registered.
The last mass voter registration exercise was conducted in 2022 but was halted in June that year, just before the August polls. With the new drive, IEBC hopes to expand the voter base significantly ahead of 2027.
However, the sluggish turnout in the initial days raises concerns over whether the commission will meet its target. Civic educators and county officials are now urging Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing exercise rather than postpone registration to the final days.
