Voter registration surge hits 1.37 million as IEBC nears deadline

A strong wave of new voter sign-ups is sweeping across the country as the ongoing voter registration exercise continues to attract large numbers, with the electoral body confirming that more than 1.3 million Kenyans have already enrolled within a short period.

Data released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shows that 1,370,930 new voters were registered between March 30 and April 16, 2026, reflecting high participation in the current registration drive.

The Commission says the numbers have risen quickly, with an additional 495,429 registrations recorded since its last update on April 9, pointing to steady momentum as the exercise enters its final stretch.

According to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, the turnout has been largely powered by young people registering for the first time, signaling stronger engagement in electoral matters.

“The Commission extends its deepest gratitude to the 1,370,930 Kenyans who have registered as new voters since the commencement of ECVR,” he said.

Beyond new registrations, the Commission also recorded 92,602 voter transfers, where registered voters moved their polling stations or constituencies, alongside 1,969 updates where individuals corrected or changed personal details in the voter register.

County-level data shows Nairobi at the top with 150,166 new voters, followed by Kiambu at 72,055, Kakamega at 61,797, Nakuru at 57,068, and Machakos at 47,348.

At the lower end, Lamu registered 6,785 new voters, Isiolo recorded 7,380, Nyandarua had 11,440, Mandera stood at 11,455, while Nyamira posted 12,573.

The Commission noted that participation has been spread across different age groups, including elderly citizens who also turned up to register despite the distances involved.

“From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the remote reaches of Kwale, where even elders aged over 80 have come forward to register, the message is clear: Kenya is ready,” Ethekon said.

He added that the growing numbers reflect increased public trust in the democratic process and a willingness by citizens to take part in shaping leadership outcomes.

“You are no longer observers; you are now the architects of Kenya’s future… wazalendo wa kweli,” he said.

With only 11 days remaining before the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise closes on April 28, the IEBC has urged those who are yet to register to take advantage of the remaining window.

The Commission further stated that once the current exercise ends, voter registration will return to the regular constituency-based system used in previous cycles.

It also clarified that registration is taking place across all kits except those placed in constituency offices, allowing voters flexibility to register in different areas from where they intend to vote.

However, the IEBC noted that registration is not ongoing in regions where by-elections or election-related court matters are active. These areas include Porro Ward, Endo Ward, Emurua Dikirr, Ol Kalou, Malava, and Mbeere North constituencies.