You are Free to Register as a Voter IEBC Announces
Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission Chairman Erastus Ethekon. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Raymond Mwakwaya
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will officially resume on September 29.
The Commission chairman Erastus Ethekon said preparations are well underway to ensure the nationwide exercise runs smoothly and efficiently.
The IEBC chair emphasized that the voter registration process is a critical component of Kenya’s democratic system, allowing eligible citizens to actively participate in shaping the country’s future through elections.
IEBC confirms that activities such as the mapping of registration centres, gazettement of registration officers, and preparation of the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits are currently ongoing.
The Commission chair also noted that stakeholder consultations and the consolidation of geospatial data are part of its comprehensive preparations. These steps, it said, are aimed at ensuring the exercise is inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible Kenyans.
Once the registration exercise begins, Kenyans will be able to access services at any IEBC constituency office across the country, except in areas where by-elections are currently taking place. Services to be offered include new voter registration, transfer of voter registration to a different polling station, correction of personal details, and inspection of one’s voter registration status.
“According to the Constitution, a person is eligible to register as a voter if they are a Kenyan citizen, at least 18 years of age, and in possession of a valid Kenyan national identity card or passport,” said Ethekon.
The individual must also not be registered elsewhere, must not have been convicted of an election-related offence in the last five years, must not be of unsound mind, and must not already appear on the current voter register.
Applicants will be required to fill out specific statutory forms depending on the service required. New registrations will be completed using Form A, while changes to personal details will require Form B.
Transfers to a different polling station will be handled using Form C. Form D will be used for lodging claims or objections, and Form E will be available for appeals against decisions made by registration officers.
New voters must visit a designated registration centre in person with a valid ID or passport. They will be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph, and complete the registration form. Upon successful registration, applicants will receive an acknowledgement slip.
The Commission clarifies that while the slip confirms registration, it is not required as an identification document during voting.
Those wishing to transf er their voter registration to a different location must visit their constituency office, undergo biometric verification, and fill out the appropriate transfer form.
The IEBC urged all eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the upcoming registration period and ensure their voter details are up to date ahead of future elections. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, fair, and inclusive registration process.
According to Ethekon the voter registration drive is part of ongoing preparations to enhance electoral participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
