The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rolled out major reforms in the voter registration process. Starting Monday, September 29, the commission will begin continuous voter registration across all 290 constituencies.
The exercise comes ahead of the November 27 by-elections and the August 2027 General Elections. IEBC is targeting 6.3 million new voters, mainly those who have recently acquired their ID cards. For the first time, voter details will be captured using automatic ID scans, fingerprints, passport photos, and iris recognition technology.
Officials say the process will take no more than 10 minutes, reducing errors and blocking duplicate registrations. These changes aim to tighten the electoral system, improve transparency, and restore public trust in elections.
IEBC Introduces New Voter Registration Changes to Boost Transparency and Accuracy
IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana explained that the reforms are designed to fix long-standing weaknesses in voter registration. In past elections, duplication of voters, misspelled names, and inaccurate personal details raised questions about credibility.
With the new system, every voter must hand over their ID card at the registration desk. The ID will be scanned twice to capture details such as ID number, serial number, gender, and date of birth. This will replace manual typing, which was often prone to mistakes.
The registration kits will also collect details about literacy levels, disabilities, or special needs. Voters will then select their polling station and ward.
The final step will involve biometric verification. Fingerprints and passport photographs will be captured alongside iris data, which is being introduced for the first time in Kenya’s electoral process. According to IEBC, the new technology will strengthen the database and prevent fraud.
Officials say the entire process will take less than 10 minutes for most people, and even faster for tech-savvy voters.
How the New Registration Process Will Work
Under the new guidelines, Kenyans no longer need to register at their home polling stations. A voter can register in Nairobi and still choose a polling station in their rural county. This flexibility is meant to encourage urban workers and students to register without traveling long distances.
Each constituency will now be equipped with four registration kits. Two will serve local residents, one will allow out-of-area registrations, and the fourth has been designed to attract younger voters. Mukhwana hinted that this “Gen-Z friendly” kit will include innovations yet to be revealed by IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon.
To further expand access, registration services will also be available in Huduma Centres across the country. IEBC expects this move to significantly increase convenience and help meet its target of 6.3 million new voters before 2027.
Why the IEBC Voter Registration Changes Matter
The adoption of iris scans, digital ID verification, and wider access points signals a major step in modernizing Kenya’s elections. These reforms come after years of complaints about ghost voters, long queues, and lack of efficiency in registration.
By eliminating manual data entry, the risk of errors is reduced. By adding biometric layers, including iris recognition, voter duplication becomes harder. aBy opening Huduma Centres and multiple registration points, accessibility improves.
However, the changes also raise questions about data security and privacy. Civil society groups are expected to watch closely to ensure personal information is not misused. For now, IEBC insists the technology will only strengthen transparency and public confidence.
