IEBC Chair Ethekon: ‘We have a cure for low voter registration’

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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it has found a solution to Kenya’s lagging voter registration numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a new digital voter registration platform aimed at boosting participation, especially among youth.

Speaking at an IEBC prayer breakfast in Nairobi on Wednesday morning, Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the online pre‑registration system will allow eligible Kenyans to submit their details digitally, then visit Huduma or IEBC centres only for biometric verification--a process expected to cut long queues and paperwork.

“We are introducing a digital platform where Kenyans will input their details online and then visit a registration centre to give fingerprints,” Mr Ethekon told the audience.

“This is our cure for the persistent low turnout in voter registration.”

Continuous voter registration (CVR) began in September 2025, with the commission urging citizens to update details or enroll for the first time. But the latest IEBC data shows that, months into the exercise, registration growth has fallen short of expectations:

Only about 200,000 new voters had enrolled through the CVR exercise by the end of December 2025, despite months of active campaigns.

An estimated more than six million eligible Kenyans--many of them aged 18–35--remain unregistered, according to IEBC estimates.

Youth groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly flagged distance, long queues and inconvenience as key barriers to registration.

Mr Ethekon said the digital platform is specifically designed to address these challenges by making the process easier for busy Kenyans, particularly the youth and first‑time voters.

“This platform is about inclusion and accessibility,” Mr Ethekon said.

“Every Kenyan should have the chance to participate in shaping the country’s future.”

Religious leaders attending the breakfast also emphasized the importance of voter participation and peaceful democratic engagement.

Speaking on behalf of the faith community, Bishop Philip Kitoto, EAK Chairperson, emphasised the Church’s role in promoting peace, unity, and ethical leadership.

“The Church cannot remain silent in moments of injustice, violence, or moral decay,” Bishop Kitoto said.

“We urge Kenyans to embrace dialogue, reject hate speech, and participate peacefully in the democratic process.”

The prayer breakfast provided a platform to reaffirm the role of religious leaders as trusted voices in society, particularly in promoting voter education, ethical leadership, and social cohesion.

They urged citizens to register early and exercise their civic rights responsibly.

IEBC said public sensitisation campaigns will begin immediately to guide citizens on how and when to use the digital platform once it is officially active.