Nairobi, October 4, 2025 — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that 7,048 new voters have been registered and 259 others transferred within the last four days, following the rollout of a new voter registration drive.
The Commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, said the registration exercise is gaining momentum as it seeks to attract more Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to IEBC data: Nairobi County recorded the highest new registrations at 1,597.
Mombasa followed with 556 new voters.
Kiambu registered 386, while Kisii added 312.
The voter registration drive was relaunched on September 29, 2025, with a target of enrolling 6.3 million new voters nationwide.
In a major shift, the IEBC has introduced iris scan technology to strengthen voter identification during elections. This will complement the existing biometric system that uses fingerprints and facial photographs.
“The iris provides an alternative means of voter identification if fingerprints fail.
Its inclusion is permitted by law and strengthens our commitment to credible and transparent elections,” said Mr. Ethekon.
Kenyan law allows several forms of biometric identifiers, including iris and retina scans, DNA, hand geometry, and voice recognition.
The IEBC assured Kenyans that all biometric data, including iris information, will be protected under the Data Protection Act of 2019.
Access will be restricted to authorized officials, with strict penalties for any misuse or data breaches.
To boost turnout, the Commission is also running civic education campaigns, reminding Kenyans of their constitutional right to register and vote in free and fair elections.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has a fair chance to register as a voter,” said Mr. Ethekon.
The IEBC’s voter registration exercise will continue countrywide, except in constituencies scheduled for by-elections on November 27, 2025.
With just four days into the drive, officials say the numbers are promising but urge Kenyans, especially the youth and first-time voters, to take part.
