New voters hit 344,316 as IEBC registration drive gains pace

In a status update released on April 3, 2026, Ethekon said the early figures reflect growing public response to the nationwide drive, which began on March 30 and will run for 30 days.

The exercise is being conducted across all 1,450 County Assembly Wards, institutions of higher learning, Huduma Centres, constituency offices, and the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers.

The Commission is targeting 2.5 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, in what Ethekon described as a critical milestone in the country’s electoral process.

The exercise is anchored on the theme, “Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration.”

According to the Chairperson, the 344,316 newly registered voters were recorded alongside 18,610 transfers and 329 requests for change or update of voter particulars as at April 2.

The latest figures build on previous gains made during the constituency-based voter registration launched on September 29, 2025, which had recorded 273,498 voters by March 30, 2026.

Ethekon thanked Kenyans who have already turned up to register, transfer, or update their details, urging more eligible citizens to take advantage of the remaining days. He noted that only 25 days remain before the exercise closes on April 28, emphasising that there will be no extension.

He further clarified that registration is ongoing daily, including weekends and public holidays, and encouraged citizens to utilise the Easter break. “Please go out and register,” he urged.

Addressing concerns about registration logistics, Ethekon said citizens are not required to travel to their home counties to register.

He explained that the Commission has deployed open kits, enabling voters to register from any centre and choose their preferred polling station across the country.

On voter transfers, the Chairperson reiterated that individuals wishing to change polling stations must present themselves physically at the IEBC constituency office where they intend to transfer.

He stated that the law requires fresh biometric submission to confirm that the request is made by the voter, noting that the process helps “eliminate cases of unlawful mass voter transfers not authorised by the voters.”

Similarly, those seeking to update their particulars must visit the constituency office where they are registered.

Ethekon also clarified that voter registration is not taking place in areas with scheduled by-elections or ongoing election petitions. These include Porro and Endo County Assembly Wards, Emurua Dikirr and Ol Kalou constituencies, as well as Malava and Mbeere North constituencies.

He further noted that the current biometric Register of Voters came into effect in 2012 following electoral reforms. As such, individuals who registered before 2012 but did not subsequently update their details are not included and must register afresh.

Calling for increased participation, Ethekon urged young people, particularly Gen Z and first-time voters, to enlist. He said the Commission’s mission during the exercise is simple: “kuwakatia KADI.”

He described the voter registration acknowledgement slip, commonly referred to as KADI, as more than proof of registration, saying it represents a citizen’s commitment to democratic participation and accountability.

“Participation in voter registration is a fundamental civic responsibility and a cornerstone of democratic governance,” Ethekon said, encouraging Kenyans to mobilise their peers, families, and communities.

He urged citizens not to wait until the final days, but to present themselves at registration centres “at the earliest opportunity.”

“Together, let us strengthen our democracy through active, informed, and inclusive participation,” he said.