Voters who were registered before the introduction of biometric systems in 2012 have been directed to enrol afresh to ensure their details are captured in the current voter database, as the electoral body steps up preparations for the 2027 General Election through a nationwide registration drive.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has explained that the current Register of Voters relies on biometric data introduced after major electoral reforms that followed the 2010 Constitution and the Elections Act. According to the Commission, earlier registers did not capture biometric details, meaning some older voters may not be included in the modern system unless they updated their records.
In a statement, Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated:
"The current biometric Register of Voters (RoV) came into operation in 2012 upon the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; the enactment of the Elections Act, which introduced biometric voter registration as a key electoral reform measure and the boundaries delimitation of 2012.
"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. Such persons are, therefore, required to register afresh to be included in the current biometric register,"
The Commission has encouraged those affected to visit their respective IEBC Constituency Offices to update their records or complete fresh registration where necessary. This applies to voters who may wish to confirm their inclusion in the current register or correct their details.
Alongside the directive, the Commission shared updates on the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which began on March 30, 2026 and is expected to run for 30 days across the country. The exercise is taking place in constituency offices, Huduma Centres, institutions of higher learning, and other designated registration points.
Ethekon reported that as of Thursday, April 2, a total of 344,316 new voters had been registered. In addition, 18,610 voters had requested transfers to different polling stations, while 329 individuals updated their personal details.
He also clarified that voters seeking to transfer their polling stations must present themselves to the registration officer at the constituency where they wish to move, while those updating their details must go to the constituency where they are currently registered.
The Commission noted that the registration exercise is part of broader efforts to prepare for the next general election and has set a target of enrolling 2.5 million new voters during the ongoing drive.
Ethekon urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the registration period, emphasizing that the process is open daily, including weekends and public holidays, until the deadline of April 28, 2026.
"Please note that only 25 days remain as this ECVR will close on April 28, 2026. You are reminded that there will be no extension. Thereafter, registration will revert to the constituency offices. Therefore, the time to register is now. Please go out and register,"
He further encouraged participation, especially among young people and first-time voters, noting that the voter acknowledgement slip, known as KADI, represents active civic engagement.
"The voter registration acknowledgement slip, presently referred to as KADI, represents more than proof of registration; it signifies a citizen's commitment to participate in the democratic process and to hold leadership accountable,"
The Commission reiterated that the ongoing exercise is critical in ensuring a complete and updated voter register ahead of future elections, and urged communities to mobilize and support registration efforts before the window closes.
