The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled a new voter registration system that will use eye scans alongside fingerprints, marking a significant step in Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Officials say the technology, known as iris recognition, is designed to cut down on errors and reduce the chances of voter fraud. Meru County Elections Manager, William Ndung’u, told reporters the new system complies with both the Elections Act and the country’s data protection laws.
“We want to assure Kenyans that their personal information is safe,” Mr Ndung’u said, adding that the biometric data will be used strictly for registration and verification.
The commission has also signalled plans to expand the system in future by adding voice recognition technology as another layer of security.
The announcement comes after a lull in voter registration since 2022, when the IEBC was left without commissioners. Mr Ndung’u urged Kenyans, particularly those in essential professions such as police officers, doctors, journalists, and business owners, to register early. Many in these groups often miss voting due to demanding schedules.
Meru County, which had 772,139 registered voters in 2022, has been given a target of enrolling an additional 220,179 voters. That would bring the total close to one million ahead of the next election.
The IEBC has repeatedly faced scrutiny over the credibility of past polls. Some Kenyans see the adoption of new technology as a chance to restore faith in the process, while others remain cautious, raising questions about costs, technical reliability, and accessibility in rural areas.
The commission insists the changes will help secure the ballot. “Our aim is to make elections more accurate, safe, and secure,” Mr Ndung’u said
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