The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday, September 29, officially embarked on its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The initiative, which entered its second day on Tuesday, September 30, is aimed at expanding voter participation and ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to vote.
Speaking following the launch of the exercise, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon explained the importance of the voter registration exercise, describing it as a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s democratic process.
"It is a great honour to stand before you today as we launch the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). This exercise is not simply an administrative duty—it is the heartbeat of our democracy. It is here that citizens transform from bystanders into active nation-builders," he said.
Ethekon noted that the exercise will be conducted across all 290 constituencies, supported by 57 Huduma Centres nationwide to enhance accessibility.
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In addition, constituency offices will continue handling transfers and corrections to ensure the process is as inclusive as possible.
According to the Commission, projections indicate that the voter register should reach approximately 28.5 million by the 2027 elections.
To achieve this, IEBC has laid out a phased approach. The first stage, the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, accounts for 10% of the overall target.
A First Enhanced CVR, projected to capture 40% of new voters, will follow the conclusion of the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
The Second Enhanced CVR, aimed at reaching 50% of the target, is scheduled to commence in the next financial year.
Highlighting improvements in the commission’s preparedness, Ethekon explained that technological upgrades have been made to ensure credibility and efficiency.
"The Commission has upgraded its technology by integrating a new Biometric Voter Registration module into the KIEMS system, allowing for faster, more secure, and more reliable services. For this phase, 24,128 registration centres have been gazetted, ensuring equity and security across the country," he added.
Ethekon further made a special appeal to the youth, noting their central role in determining Kenya’s democratic future.
He stressed that the younger generation, which comprises the majority of the country’s population, should not let this opportunity pass.
"I appeal to the youth, who make up more than 75% of our population, if you are not yet registered, this is your chance. Registering today is your voice in tomorrow’s election. By building a credible register, we are safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 General Election. Let us all take responsibility and ensure every eligible Kenyan is counted," he further said.
Earlier Monday, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu revealed that the electoral body has made changes to its voter registration system.
She said IEBC has replaced the Biometric Voter Registration System (BVR) kits with tablets.
The IEBC Commissioner explained that the BVR kits were bulky, prompting the commission to adopt lighter tablets instead.
"What is different in this voter registration is that we have a new system. Before the 2022 general election, the equipment for registration was the BVR kit. It was a bit cumbersome, but right now we only have a tablet we are using to register voters," she revealed.
Nderitu also disclosed that in the new voter registration system, the commission will capture the fingerprints and iris of voters.
"We have also enhanced the features of that tablet. The registration system is now able to capture not only your fingerprints but also your iris, and it’s faster than the previous one," she added.
Nderitu also noted that Kenyans can now register at any constituency office and have their details assigned to their preferred polling station.
"At the constituency office, we have two kits, one dedicated to registering Kenyans from all over the country. This makes the process more accessible. For example, if you are in Nairobi and want to register in Kisumu East, you can do it here in Nairobi, and it will reflect in Kisumu East, so you don’t have to travel to your constituency," she further said.
