High voter transfers overshadow new registrations as coastal counties trail

 thenamlola@gmail.com 

More Kenyans are transferring their voting centres than registering as new voters, even as coastal counties continue to post some of the slowest registration figures in the country.

According to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, by 8th October 2025, the Commission had recorded 20,754 new registrations, 3,207 transfers, and 61 updates of particulars across all 290 constituency offices.

 While the numbers mark a modest improvement from week one, the data points to a worrying trend — a significant share of activity in the second week came from voters relocating their records rather than new entrants joining the register.

 “The Commission appreciates the citizens who have registered, transferred, or updated their details. However, we note that transfers remain higher than expected in several regions,” said Mr Ethekon.

He added that the exercise is still far from meeting the 6.3 million target ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Counties such as Laikipia, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Nairobi City recorded notably high transfer activity, raising questions about population mobility and voter distribution trends.

In Laikipia, 165 new voters were registered compared to 114 transfers — nearly a one-to-one ratio.

 Nakuru followed closely with 840 new registrations against 277 transfers, while in the capital, 4,804 new voters were matched by an unusually high 1,105 transfers.

IEBC officials attribute the high transfers to urban migration, boundary changes, and increased awareness among voters who want to align their polling stations with their current places of residence.

The turnout remains worryingly low across coastal counties, with Lamu recording only 36 new registrations — up from just one voter last week. 

Kwale managed 242, while Kilifi had 673 and Taita Taveta 201. Mombasa, despite being a major urban centre, reported 1,379 new voters, a figure far below expectations given its population size.

Mr Ethekon described the coastal trend as “deeply concerning,” noting that the Commission will intensify public awareness campaigns to mobilise more youth participation.

 “We continue to urge all eligible citizens, especially young Kenyans, to take advantage of the ongoing exercise. Your vote begins with registration, and your future depends on it,” he said.

Observers link the poor turnout in coastal counties to a mix of factors — low civic engagement, limited access to registration centres, and seasonal migration patterns affecting fishing and tourism communities.

Across the country, youth registration remains low, mirroring a national pattern that has persisted since the 2022 General Election.

 The IEBC estimates that millions of Kenyans who turned 18 in the last three years are yet to enlist as voters.

Civic educators say the trend reflects a combination of political disillusionment, economic hardship, and a sense of disconnect between leaders and young people.

Some also cite logistical issues, such as limited awareness that registration is available continuously at constituency offices — not only during major drives.

Despite the national slowdown, some counties have demonstrated steady progress. Nairobi City, Kiambu, Mombasa, Machakos, and Kisii lead in total registrations.

In the Rift Valley, Uasin Gishu registered 341 new voters, while Kericho and Bomet posted 195 and 200, respectively.

In the Eastern region, Machakos recorded 923, Kitui 666, and Makueni 302, reflecting fair engagement compared to the national average.

The Commission has also noted a growing number of updates in urban counties such as Nakuru, Nairobi, and Laikipia, where voters are correcting names, polling stations, and ID details.

Mr Ethekon clarified that Continuous Voter Registration is currently suspended in 24 electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled for 27th November 2025, in accordance with electoral laws that prohibit registration during active campaigns.

The exercise, however, continues uninterrupted in all other constituencies, with registration officers working full-time to serve citizens seeking to join or update the voter register.

With just two weeks of data and less than 0.5 per cent of the target achieved, the IEBC faces an uphill task to mobilise more Kenyans, particularly the youth, before 2027.

Mr Ethekon said the Commission will soon roll out targeted awareness campaigns, partnerships with county governments, and collaborations with universities to reach young eligible voters.

“We cannot have credible elections without credible participation. Every eligible Kenyan must take this as a personal responsibility,” he emphasised.