The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued an update on the progress of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

In a statement on October 3, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission relaunched the CVR exercise on September 29, 2025.

He stated that the exercise is ongoing across the country, save for electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled.

“In the last four days since resumption, the Commission has recorded progressive growth in the enrolment of new voters into the Register of Voters,” he said.

Ethekon said as of October 2, new enrolments stood at 7,048, while those who successfully transferred their registration to their new preferred electoral areas were 259 voters.

In addition, eight voters updated their details nationally.

Biometric Registration to Include Iris

Ethekon said the Commission previously captured fingerprints and a digital facial photograph as the only two biometric identifiers.

He stated that this in line with Section 2 of the Elections Act, Cap 7, which mentions that the voter registration process entails the collection of both biographic information and biometric identifiers.

However, he said the Commission has introduced an additional biometric feature the iris to provide an alternative means of voter identification should fingerprint recognition fail.

“The inclusion of iris recognition is expressly permissible under the law, which provides for biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves, DNA, and signatures,” Ethekon added

Commitment to Data Protection

IEBC reiterated its strict compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and its attendant regulations.

The Commission explained that all data collected during voter registration is securely stored, accessed solely by duly authorized officers and applied strictly for its legally prescribed purposes.

“The Commission emphasizes that any unauthorized access, misuse, or compromise of voter data will attract the full sanctions of the law,” he said.

He reaffirmed IEBC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that voter registration services remain accessible, inclusive, transparent, and efficient in all parts of the country save for the areas scheduled for theNovember 27, 2025 By-elections.

The Chairperson said robust monitoring mechanisms and sustained civic awareness initiatives are being implemented to enhance participation and to uphold the integrity, inclusivity, and credibility of the registration exercise.

Further, Ethekon underscored the Commission’s constitutional duty to guarantee that every eligible Kenyan has a fair and equal opportunity to register as a voter and to exercise their democratic right to participate in free, fair, and credible elections.

“The IEBC calls upon all eligible citizens, particularly the youth and first-time voters, to take advantage of this opportunity and register as voters. Together, let us strengthen our democracy, safeguard our institutions, and secure the future of our nation,” he said.

IEBC Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan. PHOTO/IEBC.