IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) has clarified this. Voters registered before 2012 are not included in the current biometric voter register. To be included, they must register afresh.
This announcement was made by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. It was during the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise. The exercise launched on 30 March 2026 and runs until 28 April 2026. The commission is targeting 2.5 million new registrations in the first 30-day phase, as part of a broader goal to add up to 6.3–6.5 million voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, aiming for a total register of about 28.5 million.
Key Details from IEBC
- The current biometric register primarily covers voters registered from 2012 onward. This is post the introduction of biometric systems. It also includes any pre-2012 registrants who later submitted fresh biometric data.
- Older registrations (pre-2012, often manual or early electronic) are not fully captured in the modern system.
- Affected individuals must register anew. Many of them are older Kenyans, including parents and grandparents. They must visit IEBC constituency offices or designated registration centers with their national ID.
- Those registered after 2012 do not need to register afresh. They can wait for the voter register inspection window to verify or update details (e.g., transfer polling stations or correct information).
The exercise also allows new registrations (especially targeting youth who have come of age), updates, transfers, and corrections.Public Reaction (as of 3 April 2026)The directive has sparked significant discussion on social media:
- Some view it as a necessary cleanup to remove deceased or duplicate entries and build a credible, biometric-based register.
- Others express concern about potential disenfranchisement of elderly voters. They worry about logistical challenges like long queues and limited kits. There are also questions over transparency and public participation before such a major change.
- In regions like Mt. Kenya (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu), some claim reduced voter numbers due to the removal of “dead voters.” This has led to mixed interpretations and some political tension.
- Youth-led initiatives like #NikoKadi or #TukoKadi are mobilizing people, especially young first-time voters. They are encouraged to collect IDs and register. The IEBC welcomes this support.
Early figures show hundreds of thousands registering in the first week. A notable section of these registrants are adults above 35 years, according to some reports. This decision aligns with IEBC’s efforts. They aim to overhaul the voter register and clean it from past issues. These include inaccuracies, multiple registrations, or outdated data. Kenya’s voter registration has evolved since the 2010 Constitution and the shift to biometric systems around 2012–2013. The commission emphasizes that the process is inclusive. They aim to deepen democracy. Still, critics are calling for clearer communication. They also seek assurances that no eligible voter will be locked out. If you or your family members registered long ago, then check your status via the IEBC portal. You can also visit a constituency office during this window. The exercise is nationwide, with centers at IEBC offices, National Archives (in Nairobi), and other points.
