By Joshua Otieno | April 6, 2026
NAIROBI – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing mounting criticism following its directive requiring a section of Kenyans to register as voters afresh.
The controversy emerged after the Commission indicated that individuals who registered before 2012 may not be captured in the current biometric system, raising concerns among voters who have participated in past elections.
In a clarification issued on April 4, the IEBC narrowed the scope of the directive, stating that only those who registered manually before the introduction of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system and have not updated their details or voted using biometric kits are required to re-register.
“Anyone who has voted in the last three general elections is already captured in the Biometric Register of Voters and does not need to register again.”
The Commission maintained that the exercise is aimed at ensuring the voter register meets the legal requirements for biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, the clarification has done little to calm political tensions, with opposition leaders strongly criticizing the move.
“The right to vote is unconditional under Article 38 of the Constitution.”
Martha Karua argued that the responsibility of maintaining an accurate voter register lies with the Commission, not citizens.
Jimi Wanjigi also dismissed the directive, questioning the need for fresh registration despite previous biometric exercises.
“This is nonsense.”
The standoff comes as the IEBC continues with its Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) drive, which is set to run until April 28, 2026.
Despite the backlash, the Commission reported that over 344,000 new voters had been registered within the first few days of the exercise. The IEBC is targeting 2.5 million new voters during the 30-day campaign, as it seeks to reach a national voter register of 28.5 million ahead of the next polls.
Officials have reiterated that there will be no extension of the registration period, urging eligible citizens to visit Huduma Centres and IEBC offices across the country before the deadline.
