The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 250,391 new voters since the commencement of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) initiative on September 29 of the previous year, as disclosed by Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 250,391 new voters since the commencement of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) initiative on September 29 of the previous year, as disclosed by Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana.
During an appearance on Citizen TV’s ‘The Explainer’ program on Tuesday evening, Dr. Mukhwana stated that the new registrations have predominantly been centered in urban and peri-urban regions, with Nairobi at the forefront.
During an appearance on Citizen TV’s ‘The Explainer’ program on Tuesday evening, Dr. Mukhwana stated that the new registrations have predominantly been centered in urban and peri-urban regions, with Nairobi at the forefront.
Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru and Mombasa counties closely follow this pattern, demonstrating how population density and service accessibility continue to influence voter registration patterns.
Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru and Mombasa counties closely follow this pattern, demonstrating how population density and service accessibility continue to influence voter registration patterns.
Nevertheless, the commissioner voiced concern regarding the persistently low registration figures in arid and semi-arid areas.
Nevertheless, the commissioner voiced concern regarding the persistently low registration figures in arid and semi-arid areas.
He highlighted that counties including Isiolo, Mandera and Tana River are substantially behind, attributing this to sparse populations, nomadic lifestyles influenced by severe climatic conditions, and systemic obstacles in obtaining identification documents.
He highlighted that counties including Isiolo, Mandera and Tana River are substantially behind, attributing this to sparse populations, nomadic lifestyles influenced by severe climatic conditions, and systemic obstacles in obtaining identification documents.
Additional challenges include timely acquisition of ID cards; in Turkana, for instance, elderly individuals often lack birth certificates, let alone official identification,” he explained.
Additional challenges include timely acquisition of ID cards; in Turkana, for instance, elderly individuals often lack birth certificates, let alone official identification,” he explained.
Youth participation remains low at present, though individuals aged 35 and below constitute 32.65% of the newly registered voters. The 18-20 age group is most affected, with only 67,888 registrants from this bracket.
Youth participation remains low at present, though individuals aged 35 and below constitute 32.65% of the newly registered voters. The 18-20 age group is most affected, with only 67,888 registrants from this bracket.
Dr. Mukhwana identified delays in obtaining national IDs following school completion and insufficient civic education as primary factors contributing to the limited engagement from this demographic.
Dr. Mukhwana identified delays in obtaining national IDs following school completion and insufficient civic education as primary factors contributing to the limited engagement from this demographic.
He advocated for early civic education programs in schools to better equip and inspire young people to register upon reaching eligibility.
He advocated for early civic education programs in schools to better equip and inspire young people to register upon reaching eligibility.
In total, Kenya’s registered voter population has reached 22,352,923 as of 2026. Among the new registrants, 50.9% are male and 49.1% are female, showing a nearly equal gender distribution.
In total, Kenya’s registered voter population has reached 22,352,923 as of 2026. Among the new registrants, 50.9% are male and 49.1% are female, showing a nearly equal gender distribution.
Regarding county performance, Nairobi leads with 49,055 new registrants, followed by Kiambu with 20,404. According to Dr. Mukhwana, these two counties collectively represent 27% of all new registrations.
Regarding county performance, Nairobi leads with 49,055 new registrants, followed by Kiambu with 20,404. According to Dr. Mukhwana, these two counties collectively represent 27% of all new registrations.
Mombasa occupies third place with 15,140 registrations, followed by Machakos (11,687); Nakuru (10,432); Kitui (9,401); Kisii (8,871); Kakamega (8,078); Meru (7,499); and Murang’a (7,267).
Mombasa occupies third place with 15,140 registrations, followed by Machakos (11,687); Nakuru (10,432); Kitui (9,401); Kisii (8,871); Kakamega (8,078); Meru (7,499); and Murang’a (7,267).
At the lower end of the registration spectrum, Isiolo has recorded only 112 new voters, Tana River 241, Lamu 578, Elgeyo Marakwet 552 and Mandera 994, highlighting significant regional inequalities.
At the lower end of the registration spectrum, Isiolo has recorded only 112 new voters, Tana River 241, Lamu 578, Elgeyo Marakwet 552 and Mandera 994, highlighting significant regional inequalities.
Dr. Mukhwana additionally observed that older voters constitute the majority of new registrations, with those above 35 years comprising 67.35%, compared to 32% from younger age groups.
Dr. Mukhwana additionally observed that older voters constitute the majority of new registrations, with those above 35 years comprising 67.35%, compared to 32% from younger age groups.
He indicated that this pattern suggests current voter registration momentum is propelled more by middle-aged citizens than first-time voters, prompting concerns about future electoral engagement unless youth involvement increases.