NAIROBI — Kenya’s electoral commission will reopen voter registration next week, in a move seen as critical to preparing the country for the 2027 general election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced on Friday that the exercise will begin on September 29 and run across all constituency offices. Only areas currently holding by-elections will be exempt.
The commission described the programme as part of its core duty to keep the voter roll accurate and credible. “An updated register is the foundation of free and fair elections,” an IEBC spokesperson said in a statement.
The exercise will allow Kenyans who have reached voting age to sign up, while existing voters can update their personal details, change their polling stations, or verify the accuracy of their records. Citizens will also be able to cross-check their information online via the commission’s portal at verify.iebc.or.ke.
Analysts say the move comes at a crucial moment. Kenya’s electoral process has long been under scrutiny, with disputes over voter lists featuring prominently in past elections. Restoring public trust, they note, will be vital as the 2027 race draws closer.
For now, the IEBC has urged all eligible citizens to make use of the opportunity. “Every voice matters, and registration is the first step towards participation,” the statement said.
About the Author
