Youth drive surge as IEBC registers over 1.37 million new voters

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 1,370,930 new voters since the start of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on March 30, 2026.

In a status update released on Thursday, the commission said it recorded an increase of 495,429 new voters since its last update on April 9, with many being young, first-time voters.

The commission also recorded 92,602 voter transfers and 1,969 changes or updates of voter particulars over the same period.

“The Commission extends its deepest gratitude to the 1,370,930 Kenyans who have registered as new voters since the commencement of ECVR,” IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said in a statement.

Data released by the electoral body shows Nairobi City County leading in new registrations with 150,166 voters, followed by Kiambu County (72,055), Kakamega County (61,797), Nakuru County (57,068) and Machakos County (47,348).

Counties which recorded the least numbers were Lamu with 6,785 new voters, followed by Isiolo (7,380), Mandera (11,455), Nyandarua (11,440) and Wajir with 13,865.

IEBC lauded Kenyans for the huge turnout, saying the exercise has seen participation across the country, including elderly citizens turning up to register.

“This surge in registration is a strong affirmation of confidence and faith in our democracy…Stand up, register, and secure our future for Kenya, our home,” the commission boss said.

With only 11 days remaining before the exercise ends on April 28, IEBC implored eligible Kenyans yet to register to take advantage of the remaining window in a bid to contribute to an inclusive and representative voter register.

The commission noted that after the conclusion of the mass registration, it will revert to office-based registration, which may present access challenges, particularly for those in remote areas and persons with disabilities.

It also reminded Kenyans that they do not need to travel to their home constituencies to register since they could be assisted after visiting any of the nearest registration centres.

The commission, however, noted that voter registration is not currently taking place in areas with scheduled by-elections or ongoing election petitions, including Porro Ward, Endo Ward, Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Ol Kalou Constituency, Malava Constituency and Mbeere North Constituency.