IEBC rules out extension of voter registration as deadline nears

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has ruled out any extension of the ongoing voter registration exercise, urging citizens to turn up in large numbers within the remaining one week to register as voters.

Speaking during an assessment tour in Meru County, IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan revealed that only 50 percent of the targeted 80,000 voters in the county had registered by Monday evening.

Meanwhile, County Election Manager William Ndung'u cited delays in the issuance of national identification cards, as well as insecurity in Igembe and Tigania areas, as key challenges hindering the registration process in the region.

“We are not giving extra time…seven days are there, Kenyans have an opportunity within thes seven days to register themselves. We have brought kits very close to them, they are being done in constituency offices, they are being done in Huduma Centre so an opportunity has been availed for everybody. I'm appealing to the people of Meru County to come out and register during this few days remaining that they can meet their targets,” said Noor.

Ndung'u added: “Hatukosi changamoto hapa na pale, mojawapo ni kuwa kuna wale walijiandikisha kuchukua vitambulisho na tukapata izo vitambulisho bado zingine hazijafika…izo ni tatizo kubwa sana kwa wale wanategemea.”