IEBC Registers Nearly 3 Million Voters Ahead of 2027 Polls, Targets 28.5 Million

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has recorded 2,936,516 new voter registrations as of August 20, 2026, in preparation for the August 10, 2027 general election.

Since the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise began on September 29, 2025, eligible Kenyans have been able to register, transfer, and update their voter details. The Commission anticipates the total number of registered voters to reach approximately 28.5 million ahead of the polls, up from 22.1 million in 2022.

Modernizing the Voter Register

• IEBC is utilizing biometric technology to enhance the integrity of the voter register, allowing voters to verify their biometric data ahead of election day.
• The process also helps remove deceased voters and duplicate registrations.
• Voter registration for Kenyans living abroad is expanding from 12 to 26 countries to encourage wider participation.
• An independent forensic audit of the voter register will be conducted to certify its readiness for the election.

Key Election Timelines and Regulations

• Public officers aiming for elective seats must resign by February 10, 2027.
• Political parties must submit authorised persons and specimen signatures by October 15, 2026, and have their nomination rules certified by October 30.
• Party membership lists and primary election details are due by March 16, 2027, with all primaries and related disputes concluded by May 8.
• Independent candidates must submit their names and symbols by May 8, while presidential aspirants need endorsements from at least 2,000 registered voters across a majority of counties by May 24.
• Candidate registration runs from May 29 to June 11, 2027, with nomination disputes resolved by June 23.
• Campaigning officially starts after candidate registration and ends on August 7, 2027; early campaigning is prohibited and punishable.

The IEBC has also enacted the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act to govern the upcoming election period. The commission has urged all stakeholders, including political parties, media, civil society, and faith-based organizations, to collaborate for peaceful and credible elections.

Meanwhile, a High Court ruling on the presidential election date has been suspended pending further constitutional processes, as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.