The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that 7,048 new voters have been enrolled within just four days of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

In a statement dated October 3, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the registration, relaunched on September 29, 2025, is ongoing countrywide, except in areas scheduled for by-elections.

“In the last four (4) days since resumption, the Commission has recorded progressive growth in the enrollment of new voters in the Register of Voters,” read the IEBC statement in part.

In its latest update, the Commission confirmed that 259 voters had successfully transferred to new electoral areas, while eight updated their details.

The IEBC stated that the figures reflect progressive growth and demonstrate citizens’ willingness to participate in strengthening democratic processes.

In addition to the figures, the Commission announced a significant improvement in the biometric registration process.

For the first time, Iris recognition has been introduced as an additional identifier, supplementing fingerprints and facial photographs.

“Enhancements in Biometric Registration to include Iris. In line with Section 2 of the Elections Act, Cap 7, the voter registration process entails collecting both biographic information and biometric identifiers,” explained part of the IEBC statement.

According to the IEBC, this upgrade is in line with Section 2 of the Elections Act, which recognises various biometric identifiers, including fingerprints, iris and retina patterns, voice waves, and DNA.

The iris scan is expected to provide an alternative means of identification should fingerprint recognition fail, boosting both efficiency and credibility in future elections.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting voter data under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

It stressed that all information collected during registration is securely stored, accessed only by authorised officers, and used strictly for lawful purposes.

“All data collected during voter registration is securely stored, accessed solely by duly authorized officers, and applied strictly for its legally prescribed purposes,” IEBC confirmed.

Any unauthorised access or misuse, the Commission warned, would attract full legal sanctions.

A county breakdown showed varied levels of participation. Mombasa recorded the highest turnout in the coastal region with 556 new registrations, 50 transfers, and two updates.

Kilifi followed with 243 new voters and 14 transfers, while Kwale has registered 91 new voters so far. Northern counties also reported steady activity, with Mandera recording 218 new voters, Wajir 183, and Garissa 160.

Smaller figures were noted in Marsabit (49), Isiolo (34), Meru (134), Embu (71), and Tharaka-Nithi (24).

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon urged more Kenyans, especially the youth and first-time voters, to take advantage of the CVR exercise.

He emphasised that voter registration remains a civic duty and a cornerstone of free and fair elections.

“Together, let us strengthen our democracy, safeguard our institutions, and secure the future of our nation,” the Chairperson stated.

The Commission confirmed that voter registration will continue uninterrupted across the country, except in areas preparing for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025.

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