IEBC says pre-2012 voters must register afresh or miss out on 2027 poll

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has directed Kenyans who registered as voters before 2012 to register afresh, saying they are not captured in the current biometric Register of Voters (RoV).

In a detailed status update on the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) issued on Friday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the current register was established following the 2012 electoral reforms that introduced biometric voter registration.

“Consequently, individuals who had previously enrolled as voters before 2012 are not part of the current biometric RoV unless they subsequently presented themselves for fresh registration,” said Ethekon.

“Such persons are, therefore, required to register afresh in order to be included in the current biometric register.”

The clarification comes as the commission ramps up a nationwide mass voter registration drive ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The exercise, which began on March 30, will run for 30 days until April 28 across all 1,450 County Assembly Wards, Huduma Centres, institutions of higher learning, and constituency offices. IEBC is targeting to enlist at least 2.5 million new voters during the period.

Ethekon described the exercise as a critical democratic milestone, noting that broad participation is key to shaping the country’s future.

“This nationwide mass registration drive is a critical milestone as we prepare for the 2027 General Elections,” he said, adding that the commission’s mission is to ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.

As of April 2, the commission had registered 344,316 new voters, recorded 18,610 voter transfers, and processed 329 requests for change or update of particulars, signalling steady uptake of the exercise across the country.

To ease access, the IEBC said Kenyans can register from any location nationwide without necessarily travelling to their home counties, thanks to the deployment of open kits that allow voters to select their preferred polling stations.

The commission also outlined strict requirements for voter transfers, stating that individuals must present themselves physically at their intended constituency offices and submit their biometric data afresh.

“This process ensures proper verification and confirmation that the transfer request has been made by the voter and nobody else,” Ethekon said.

“It also helps eliminate cases of unlawful mass voter transfers not authorized by the voters.”

IEBC has urged eligible Kenyans, particularly youth and first-time voters, to take advantage of the remaining days, noting that the exercise will not be extended beyond the April 28 deadline.

“Our primary mission during this window is simple — ‘kuwakatia KADI’,” Ethekon said, referring to the issuance of voter registration acknowledgement slips.

“Participation in voter registration is a fundamental civic responsibility and a cornerstone of democratic governance.”

He added that the voter’s card represents more than proof of registration, but a citizen’s commitment to shaping leadership and holding leaders accountable.

At the same time, IEBC noted that registration is currently suspended in areas with ongoing by-elections or election petitions. These include Porro and Endo wards, as well as Emurua Dikirr, Ol Kalou, Malava and Mbeere North constituencies.

The commission has called on Kenyans to register early and avoid last-minute rush, urging citizens to mobilise friends, families, and communities to participate in the exercise.

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