By Peter John

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is racing against time to register at least 6.5 million new voters as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.

With about 17 months to the polls, the commission has intensified its voter registration campaigns across the country, aiming to increase the total number of registered voters to 28,497,075—up from the current 22,120,458.

According to IEBC projections, Nairobi is expected to contribute 684,738 new voters, with Starehe constituency leading in the capital.

In the Nyanza region, the commission targets 889,889 new registrations, while Western Kenya—covering Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia counties—is projected to add 632,472 voters.

The Rift Valley region has the highest number of unregistered eligible voters at 1,525,531, with Nakuru and Uasin Gishu counties leading.

In Mt Kenya West—which includes Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua—there are 861,650 potential voters yet to be enlisted.

Meanwhile, Mt Kenya East (Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties) accounts for 381,630 unregistered voters, while the Lower Eastern region—Machakos, Kitui and Makueni—has a combined 484,687.

In northern Kenya, comprising Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, the commission is targeting 251,699 new voters.

The coastal region, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River and Taita Taveta, is expected to contribute 555,799 voters, with Kisauni constituency recording the highest number of unregistered eligible voters.

Leaders have stepped in to encourage citizens to take part in the exercise. Abdulswamad Nassir urged residents to register, warning that failing to do so effectively hands over their voice to others.

“Without a voter’s card, you have surrendered your power and allowed someone else to speak on your behalf,” he said.

IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon also called for collaboration between the commission and political leaders at both county and national levels to boost registration efforts.

“I encourage partnerships with leaders across all levels of government and civic participation to help mobilise eligible voters,” he said.

Ethekon noted that the commission has already recorded an encouraging turnout among young people, signaling growing awareness of the importance of civic participation.

To meet its ambitious target, the IEBC is also exploring ways to expand voter registration among Kenyans in the diaspora and those in correctional facilities.

As the countdown to the 2027 General Election continues, the success of the voter registration drive is expected to play a critical role in shaping the country’s democratic process.