IEBC Clarifies on Collaborating With Ruto’s Govt

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has taken a stance against the recent concerns raised by the Democratic Party (DP) over its collaboration with state agencies in voter registration and identity verification.

The IEBC clarified that its collaboration with the concerned government agencies is completely legal and necessary for the integrity of the voter register.

In a press statement released on Monday, 16th February 2026, the IEBC clarified that its activities are in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya and the Elections Act, 2011.

“Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya and Sections 4 and 6 of the Elections Act, 2011 provide the mandate to the Commission to register voters, maintain an accurate and up-to-date register, and ensure the integrity and accuracy of the register,” the IEBC clarified.

The IEBC also clarified that it operates independently in accordance with Article 249(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the constitutional commissions shall not be directed or controlled by any person or authority.

“We operate independently and in accordance with our statutory obligations and constitutional provisions,” the IEBC clarified.

Collaboration with Key Government Agencies

The IEBC has explained that its collaboration with different state agencies is required for efficient and legal voter registration.

Among these, the National Registration Bureau checks the details of the national identity card to ensure the eligibility of citizens during the voter registration process.

Likewise, the Civil Registration Services is mandated with the verification of death records to legally remove deceased individuals from the register.

In addition, the Directorate of Immigration Services verifies the information on passports, with an explanation that passports from Kenya are among the documents recognized for the registration of voters under Regulation 13 of the Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2012.

This collaboration also applies to Kenyan citizens living abroad, as regulated by Regulation 34.

Public institutions, as explained by the Commission, are known to engage in controlled data sharing with population registration authorities for verification, service, and integrity.

Regulated private institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and telecommunication firms, interact with population databases for identity verification only.

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Technology and Data Security

To strengthen accuracy, the Commission has been establishing a secure Application Programming Interface (API) link with the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS) to ensure only legitimate ID and passport numbers are used.

Once these engagements are complete, IEBC confirmed it would notify relevant stakeholders.

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Conclusion and Call for Restraint

The Commission reiterated that the voter register remains exclusively under its custody and control, in strict compliance with the Constitution, Elections Act, and the Data Protection Act, 2019.

“We urge all stakeholders, especially political actors, to refrain from uncorroborated, inflammatory, and divisive statements that undermine electoral integrity and the independence of the Commission,” IEBC warned.

IEBC further affirmed its openness to provide clarifications on any electoral process to maintain transparency and trust in Kenya’s democratic system.

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IEBC Logo. PHOTO IEBC X