The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has maintained that it will continue using biometric-based voter identification during elections.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday August 6 during a roundtable discussion with Kenya Editors Guild, Kenya Union of Journalists convened by Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa, the commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon ruled out proposals to allow voting using national ID cards only, saying such changes are not anchored in law.
This comes after reports that IEBC is considering eliminating voter cards as a mandatory requirement for voting in the 2027 General Election.
The proposal stemmed from concerns that some foreigners, particularly those from border areas in the Northeastern and Coast regions – where the government has previously wavered on vetting requirements before issuing voter cards – could potentially vote in the next elections.
IEBC to Retain Biometric Validation in Voting
The Biometric Voter Registration System (BVR) is used for registering voters. It comprises a laptop, a fingerprint scanner and a camera.
BVR captures a voter′s facial image, fingerprints and civil data or Personally Identifiable Information (PII)-Name, gender, identity card/passport number, and telephone number.
The registration takes place at the registration centres where an individual is expected to vote. The BVR method of registration was the only system deployed by IEBC to register voters just before the 2013 general elections.
Data from the BVR machines are transferred to a centralized storage server from which hard copy registers are printed.
The physical register, which has thumbnail photo of the voter, is distributed to polling centres for people to check and verify their registration details. IEBC also provides for the register verification online and via SMS.
The printed registers are also used as back-ups during voting. Often confused for electronic voting, BVR nevertheless provides a basis or foundation for possible future implementation of e-voting by use of biometric technologies.
IEBC Chair Ethekon Speaks of By-Election Dates and 2027 Election
Meanwhile, the electoral Body’s Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that preparations for the by-elections were at an advanced stage and assured the public that the commission intends to conclude all mini polls before the end of the year.
He added that the 2027 General Election to proceed in August unless halted by court.
“For the by-elections, we will announce the date and time in a week’s time. We should finalize the by-elections by the end of this year,” he stated.
“I don’t know what more we can do as human beings to shed off what some Kenyans are trying to pin on us.We signed up to do a job for Kenyans. Our elections are highly regulated by law.”
Also Read: IEBC Explains Gaps in Kenyan Laws That Could Save Passaris from Recall
Early Campaigns
At the same time, Ethekon announced plans to consult the Attorney General to clearly define what constitutes early campaigning ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
He noted growing concerns over premature electioneering and stressed the need for legal guidance on campaign timelines.
“In Kenya, every day, every hour feels like an election campaign,” he said. “When someone goes to a funeral they talk about elections—does that mean it is a campaign?”
Also Read: IEBC Explains How Mbadi Replacement was Picked
Ethekon added that the commission aims to address the ambiguity around when official campaigns should begin, noting, “It is an area of concern and a matter we need to keep in mind.”
Additionally, he pledged full transparency in the commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying “we won’t tint our windows.” He urged the media to uphold responsible reporting.
Meanwhile, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan has proposed a shared broadcast signal for the 2027 polls to curb confusion arising from competing media tallies.
He also mentioned that the 2027 polls will be held as per the 2010 Constitution, dismissing claims by politicians that there will be no election.
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