The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set Monday, September 29, as the date for the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
In a statement on Thursday, August 28, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the exercise is aimed at giving eligible Kenyans an opportunity to register as voters.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wishes to inform the public that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume on Monday, 29th September 2025, in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
"This exercise is a vital step in ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s future through democratic elections. It is particularly directed towards young people who have recently attained 18 years, and all citizens who have not yet registered or need to update their voter information," the statement read.
Ahead of the rollout, Ethekon has noted that IEBC has outlined several preparatory activities including mapping registration centres.
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The commission will also be training personnel, configuring and testing Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, gazettement of officers, and distribution of materials.
In addition, voter education programs and data protection compliance measures have been initiated.
Ethekon stated that registration will be conducted at IEBC constituency offices across the country, except in areas with ongoing by-elections.
Services available include new voter registration, transfer of polling stations, updating of voter details, and inspection of registration status.
On who is eligible to register, IEBC advised that any Kenyan citizen qualifies to register as a voter if they are 18 years or older, possess a valid national ID card or passport, are not registered elsewhere, and have not been convicted of an election offence in the past five years.
For new applicants, they will be required to present their ID or passport, fill out the relevant form, and provide biometric data.
Registered voters will be issued with an acknowledgement slip.
The commission clarified that this phase of registration will not cover Kenyans living abroad or those in correctional facilities due to ongoing policy reviews.
Ethekon appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the exercise and register as voters ahead of the elections.
"The Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, especially the youth who have recently attained voting age, to seize this opportunity and take the first step in shaping the future. Registering to vote is not just a constitutional right - it is a powerful act of responsibility.
"Your voice matters. As we look ahead to the General Election on 10th August 2027, let us commit to building a nation where every voice counts. Let’s be the generation that doesn’t sit back - but stands up, shows up, and votes for Kenya," the statement concluded.
This comes two weeks after the National Assembly passed the Election Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which introduces tougher penalties for electoral malpractice.
The legislation, drawn from recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), seeks to close loopholes in the Election Offences Act, 2016, and reinforce the integrity of the electoral process.
Under the new provisions, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials who unreasonably delay the declaration of results, knowingly alter declared results, or tamper with election materials will face penalties of up to Ksh5 million in fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
It also criminalizes the spread of false statements about candidates or political parties, interference with free political campaigning, and the misuse of technology to influence voters.
The amendments also address past electoral concerns, including issues raised in the 2017 presidential election petition over ungazetted polling stations in Mandera County.
The Bill makes it an offence to conduct elections in polling stations not officially gazetted.
