By Peter John

Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has directed voters who registered before 2012 to register afresh, in a move that could significantly reshape the country’s voter roll ahead of the 2027 General Election.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the current voter database primarily captures individuals registered after the introduction of biometric systems in 2012, as well as earlier voters who later submitted their biometric data.

As a result, those whose details remain in manual records are required to enroll again to be included in the updated digital register.

The directive comes as the commission rolls out a nationwide voter registration exercise that began on March 30 and is set to run until April 28.

The drive targets the enlistment of at least 6.5 million new voters as IEBC prepares for the 2027 elections.

According to the commission, more than 344,000 new voters had already been registered by April 2, with registration centres set up across wards, universities, and Huduma Centres to enhance accessibility.

Officials say the process has been simplified, requiring only a valid national identification card.

IEBC maintains that the move is part of efforts to clean up the voter register and ensure the credibility of future elections by aligning all records under a unified biometric system.

However, the directive has sparked concern among some Kenyans, particularly older voters and those in remote areas, who fear the requirement could lead to disenfranchisement.

Critics argue that many of those affected have participated in previous elections—including in 2013, 2017, and 2022—without issues, raising questions about the timing and necessity of the move.

Others have pointed to potential logistical challenges, noting that some eligible voters may struggle to access registration centres within the set timeline due to work commitments or distance.

Despite the concerns, the IEBC has urged all affected voters to take advantage of the ongoing exercise, insisting that re-registration is essential to guarantee their participation in the 2027 polls.

The commission is expected to continue public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements in the coming weeks as it seeks to meet its ambitious registration targets and address emerging concerns around inclusivity and access.