IEBC Updates Voter Registration Amid “Tuko Kadi” Voter Registration Campaign
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a major update on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process following a surge in registrations, particularly among Gen Z voters.
The “Tuko Kadi” initiative has gained momentum nationwide, with young people streaming into registration centers to acquire voter cards ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, the commission is fully prepared to register new voters and process transfers through a structured system built around open and closed registration kits.
What to Expect as a New Voter
For first-time voters, the registration process is straightforward and efficient, typically taking less than 10 minutes per individual.
IEBC is using open kits, which allow new voters to register from any location across the country.
This means new applicants are not required to travel to their rural homes or preferred voting areas to complete the process.
The new voter registration process includes:
- Filling out a short registration form
- Capturing biometric data
- Signing to confirm registration
Once completed, the applicant is officially entered into the voters’ register.
Click here for a list of all IEBC registration centers in Kenya.
How to Transfer Your Polling Station
For voters seeking to change their polling stations, IEBC has introduced stricter but more secure procedures.
Unlike new registration, voter transfers require individuals to physically present themselves at their preferred constituency.
Applicants must appear before registration officials in person, where their requests are processed using closed kits.
The polling station transfer process includes:
- Confirming the identity of the applicant
- Ensuring the legitimacy of the transfer request
- The process takes approximately 10 minutes
The requirement for physical presence is a deliberate safeguard to protect the integrity of the exercise.
IEBC Moves to Curb Illegal Voter Transfers
Voter transfers have previously raised concerns, with reports of individuals being irregularly moved across counties to influence election outcomes.
In some cases, voters registered in areas such as Makueni were allegedly transferred to distant regions like Isiolo without proper consent.
To address this, IEBC has tightened verification procedures by:
- Requiring in-person applications
- Deploying closed-kit technology for secure processing
- Enhancing data tracking within the system
These measures are designed to prevent organized, unlawful transfers and restore confidence in the electoral process.
Expanded Access Through ECVR
The ongoing exercise is part of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) framework, which aims to bring services closer to the people.
IEBC has moved beyond constituency offices by:
- Deploying registration teams to ward levels
- Conducting mobile registration drives
- Rolling out door-to-door visits
This approach is intended to improve accessibility and increase voter participation across the country.
As registration efforts intensify, Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing exercise while adhering to lawful procedures.
Whether registering for the first time or transferring polling stations, accuracy and compliance remain critical to safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process.
