By Bonface Mulyungi

The ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise has recorded a significant surge, with new voter registrations surpassing 1.3 million within just 18 days.

According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), a total of 1,370,930 new voters had been registered between March 30 and April 16, 2026.

This marks a sharp increase of 495,429 registrations since the Commission’s last update on April 9.

In a statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon attributed the spike largely to young first-time voters, describing it as a strong indication of renewed civic engagement across the country.

“The Commission extends its deepest gratitude to the 1,370,930 Kenyans who have registered as new voters since the commencement of ECVR,” he said.

IEBC also reported 92,602 voter transfers, involving individuals who opted to move their polling stations or constituencies, and 1,969 updates of voter particulars, involving those who corrected or amended their personal information in the register during the same period, reflecting continued activity beyond fresh registrations.

Data released by the IEBC shows that Nairobi County leads in new registrations with 150,166 voters, followed by Kiambu at 72,055, Kakamega at 61,797, Nakuru at 57,068 and Machakos at 47,348.

On the other hand, the lowest turnout has been recorded in Lamu with 6,785 new voters. Isiolo follows with 7,380, while Nyandarua has 11,440. Mandera recorded 11,455 new voters, with Nyamira at 12,573.

The Commission noted that the exercise has seen participation from across all demographics, including elderly citizens.

“From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the remote reaches of Kwale, where even elders aged over 80 have come forward to register, the message is clear: Kenya is ready,” Ethekon said.

He described the turnout as a clear demonstration of public confidence in the country’s democratic processes, adding that those who have registered are now active participants in shaping the nation’s future.

“You are no longer observers; you are now the architects of Kenya’s future… wazalendo wa kweli,” he said.

With only 11 days remaining before the conclusion of the ECVR exercise on April 28, the Commission has urged eligible Kenyans who are yet to register to take advantage of the remaining window.

The IEBC also highlighted that after the current phase, registration will revert to the standard constituency-based model.

“This ECVR presents a window for accessible service, and eligible Kenyans are urged to take advantage of it while it remains open,” the Commission said.

To enhance accessibility, the IEBC clarified that Kenyans do not need to travel to their home constituencies to register, as all kits—except those stationed at constituency offices—can register voters to their preferred electoral areas.

However, the Commission noted that voter registration is currently not taking place in areas with scheduled by-elections or ongoing election petitions.

This includes Porro Ward, Endo Ward, Emurua Dikirr, Ol Kalou, Malava and Mbeere North constituencies.