IEBC Announces Leading Counties in Voter Registration Turnout

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that 7,048 new voters have been enrolled within just four days of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

In a statement dated October 3, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the registration, relaunched on September 29, 2025, is ongoing countrywide, except in areas scheduled for by-elections.

“In the last four (4) days since resumption, the Commission has recorded progressive growth in the enrollment of new voters in the Register of Voters,” read the IEBC statement in part.

In its latest update, the Commission confirmed that 259 voters had successfully transferred to new electoral areas, while eight updated their details.

The IEBC stated that the figures reflect progressive growth and demonstrate citizens’ willingness to participate in strengthening democratic processes.

IEBC Rolls Out Iris Recognition 

In addition to the figures, the Commission announced a significant improvement in the biometric registration process.

For the first time, Iris recognition has been introduced as an additional identifier, supplementing fingerprints and facial photographs.

“Enhancements in Biometric Registration to include Iris. In line with Section 2 of the Elections Act, Cap 7, the voter registration process entails collecting both biographic information and biometric identifiers,” explained part of the IEBC statement.

According to the IEBC, this upgrade is in line with Section 2 of the Elections Act, which recognises various biometric identifiers, including fingerprints, iris and retina patterns, voice waves, and DNA.

The iris scan is expected to provide an alternative means of identification should fingerprint recognition fail, boosting both efficiency and credibility in future elections.

Assurance of Data Protection

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting voter data under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

Also Read: Relief for Kenyans Abroad as IEBC Moves to Expand Diaspora Polling Centers

It stressed that all information collected during registration is securely stored, accessed only by authorised officers, and used strictly for lawful purposes.

“All data collected during voter registration is securely stored, accessed solely by duly authorized officers, and applied strictly for its legally prescribed purposes,” IEBC confirmed.

Any unauthorised access or misuse, the Commission warned, would attract full legal sanctions.

County-Level Activity

A county breakdown showed varied levels of participation. Mombasa recorded the highest turnout in the coastal region with 556 new registrations, 50 transfers, and two updates.

Kilifi followed with 243 new voters and 14 transfers, while Kwale has registered 91 new voters so far. Northern counties also reported steady activity, with Mandera recording 218 new voters, Wajir 183, and Garissa 160.

Also Read: IEBC Announces Nationwide Temporary Jobs Paying Up to Ksh2,500 Daily

Smaller figures were noted in Marsabit (49), Isiolo (34), Meru (134), Embu (71), and Tharaka-Nithi (24).

• Mombasa: High activity with 556 new registrations, 50 transfers, and 2 updates to voter details.
• Kwale: Low engagement—only 91 new registrations and 2 transfers, no changes to particulars.
• Kilifi: Moderate activity—243 registrations and 14 transfers, no updates.
• Tana River: Minimal participation—21 registrations, no transfers or updates.
• Lamu: Very low turnout—just 1 registration, no other activity.
• Taita Taveta: All 9 entries were transfers, no new registrations or updates.
• Garissa: 160 new registrations, no transfers or updates.
• Wajir: 183 registrations, no transfers, 1 update to voter details.
• Mandera: 218 registrations, no transfers, 1 update.
• Marsabit: 49 registrations, no data on transfers or updates.
• Isiolo: 34 registrations, no data on transfers or updates.
• Meru: 134 registrations, no data on transfers or updates.
• Tharaka-Nithi: 24 registrations, no data on transfers or updates.
• Embu: 71 registrations, no data on transfers or updates. 15–26. Kitui to Trans Nzoia: No data provided for these counties—likely pending updates or no activity reported yet.

Call to Action

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon urged more Kenyans, especially the youth and first-time voters, to take advantage of the CVR exercise.

He emphasised that voter registration remains a civic duty and a cornerstone of free and fair elections.

“Together, let us strengthen our democracy, safeguard our institutions, and secure the future of our nation,” the Chairperson stated.

The Commission confirmed that voter registration will continue uninterrupted across the country, except in areas preparing for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.