Kenya Eyes 6.3 Million New Voters As 2027 Election Preparations Begin

By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Nairobi- Kenya

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has kicked off the first phase of preparations for the 2027 General Election, rolling out a nationwide voter registration drive targeting 6.3 million new voters.

Reports from across the country indicated a low turnout on the opening day, raising concerns about citizen participation ahead of the November 2025 by-elections and the 2027 polls.

IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan also announced the development of a Legal Case Management System (LCMS) by the Directorate of Legal Services in collaboration with the ICT Directorate.

The LCMS will enable electronic filing of election disputes and potential online hearings, aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays.

“Voter registration is the foundation of democracy. When our people register, they claim their rightful place in shaping the future of Kajiado and Kenya at large,” Marjan said.

Commissioner Ann Nderitu, Chair of the Electoral Operations Committee, emphasised that the voter roll remains the bedrock of credible elections.

She said: “This register is the backbone of electoral preparedness and the guarantee of credible elections. Without it, our democracy can not stand.”

She added: “With gazetted registration officers, the mapping and realignment of registration centres, and the deployment of new voter registration technology, IEBC has demonstrated its commitment to credible elections.”

The Commission urged Kenyans, particularly the youth and first-time voters, to turn up at registration centres and secure their place in the upcoming elections.