IEBC Addresses Key Issues in Response to Voter Registration Claims

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed allegations of electoral malpractice linked to the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The Commission said claims of illegal voter registration, unlawful transfer of voters and registration of foreigners as voters remain unsupported by credible evidence.

In a press release dated September 27, 2026, IEBC said it issued the clarification following allegations and claims aired in a KTN teaser concerning the ongoing voter registration exercise.

IEBC Rejects Malpractice Claims

IEBC said it had noted the continued circulation of what it described as misleading and unverified information about its preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The Commission said the CVR exercise is being conducted across all 290 constituencies and warned that sensationalised reports could mislead the public and affect confidence in the electoral process.

“The Commission reiterates that the stories on electoral malpractice or illegality relating to the registration of voters, illegal transfers of voters and alleged registration of foreigners as voters in Kenya and abroad remain unsubstantiated and untrue,” IEBC said.

The Commission added that no organisation, group or individual had submitted credible evidence to support the allegations.

It said it would take action if credible evidence emerged, including disciplinary measures and investigations into possible criminal conduct. Where culpability is established, IEBC said prosecution would follow in accordance with Kenyan law.

Commission Clarifies its Role in Voter Registration

IEBC also clarified that its constitutional mandate covers the registration of eligible Kenyan citizens who have National Identity Cards or valid passports and the maintenance of the Register of Voters.

The Commission said it does not issue national identity cards or Kenyan passports. Those functions, it said, fall under the relevant state agencies responsible for identification, citizenship and immigration.

“Any association or references to IEBC in relation to issuance of IDs or passports is factually incorrect, malicious, intended to misinform and risks misleading the public regarding the respective mandates of the relevant State institutions,” the Commission said.

IEBC said voter registration is governed by the Constitution and electoral laws. Under the registration process, applicants must present valid identification documents to a registration officer at a registration centre of their choice.

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It Outlines Safeguards

IEBC said it has put administrative and technological measures in place to protect the integrity of voter registration.

The Commission said its Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits are configured for use by registration officers. A registration officer must authorise a registration clerk to operate a kit using a unique password.

Registration clerks are also mapped to specific electoral areas and undergo training under the supervision of registration officers before deployment.

IEBC said registration can only take place at gazetted registration centres. The Commission further said it maintained KIEMS kit movement schedules during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted from March 30 to April 28, 2026.

According to IEBC, the kits were secured at designated police stations or IEBC offices and later returned to IEBC warehouses.

“No KIEMS Kit has been misplaced or reported missing, intercepted or unlawfully moved to unauthorized places or foreign destinations,” the Commission said.

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Commission Calls for Evidence of Irregularities

The Commission urged individuals, organisations and media outlets with information about suspected electoral malpractice to report it to IEBC.

It said credible evidence would allow it to take appropriate action and investigate possible breaches of the law.

“Any allegations of illegal registration, transfers of voters, or claims of favoritism or discrimination ought to be supported by verifiable evidence,” IEBC said.

The Commission said it welcomes engagement with citizens and stakeholders to ensure its staff, processes and procedures remain accountable and comply with the law.

Diaspora Registration to Expand

IEBC also addressed concerns surrounding the registration of Kenyans living outside the country. The Commission said Kenyans living abroad do not lose their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process because of their residence outside Kenya.

It said it has progressively implemented diaspora voter registration through a structured framework covering voter education, stakeholder engagement, voter registration and electoral participation.

The process began in a limited number of countries during the 2013 General Election and expanded to 12 countries by the 2022 General Election.

For the 2027 General Election, the Commission said it has proposed expanding diaspora voter registration from 12 to 26 countries.

IEBC said the additional countries would be mapped as part of preparations for the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Phase II.

“The Commission therefore wishes to clarify that diaspora voter registration is not a surreptitious or informal process,” it said.

“It is a constitutionally contemplated and progressively implemented electoral function, undertaken through designated mechanisms and under the supervision of the Commission.”

Commission Vows to Protect Electoral Process

The Commission said it would continue providing information to the public as preparations for the 2027 General Election progress.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission remained committed to its constitutional responsibility.

“The Commission remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to deliver a free, fair, transparent, accountable, credible and verifiable electoral process,” Ethekon said.

He added that IEBC would continue keeping Kenyans informed at every stage of the preparations for the 2027 General Election.

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Photo of IEBC office headquarters in Malindi
PHOTO/IEBC