IEBC Launches Ambitious Registration Drive, Targets 6 Million Gen Zs: How and Where to Apply

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has embarked on what could be the most significant voter mobilisation exercise in Kenya’s democratic history, targeting an estimated 6.3 million new voters with Generation Z at the heart of the campaign.

The Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which resumes tomorrow, represents a critical juncture for Kenya’s electoral landscape as the commission seeks to capture the political energy of young Kenyans who have increasingly asserted their voice in national affairs.

IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon announced that the exercise will run until November 27, 2025, with registration centres operating across all 290 constituencies except in areas currently scheduled for by-elections.

The commission has identified youth aged between 18 and 27 as the primary target demographic, recognising their potential to reshape Kenya’s political trajectory.

“The youth represent the future of our democracy, and their participation is crucial for legitimate electoral outcomes,” Ethekon stated during the launch ceremony.

The commission’s data indicates that approximately 2.1 million Kenyans turned 18 in the past year alone, with projections suggesting that 7.8 million citizens between 18 and 27 remain unregistered.

The registration process has been streamlined to accommodate the tech-savvy generation, with services available at all constituency offices from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Citizens seeking to register must present either a valid Kenyan Identity Card or passport, be at least 18 years old, and must not have been previously registered as voters.

Beyond new registrations, the exercise offers comprehensive electoral services including correction of voter details, transfers to new electoral areas, and verification of existing registration through the commission’s online portal at verify.iebc.or.ke.

The initiative comes at a time when young Kenyans have demonstrated unprecedented political engagement, particularly following recent nationwide protests over governance issues.

Political analysts suggest this demographic shift could significantly influence future electoral outcomes, with parties already adjusting their messaging to appeal to younger voters.

However, the commission faces considerable logistical challenges in reaching rural areas where many eligible youth reside.

Transportation costs and limited awareness remain significant barriers, prompting calls for enhanced civic education programmes and mobile registration units.

Civil society organisations have welcomed the initiative while emphasising the need for sustained voter education.

Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association Secretary General noted that registration alone is insufficient without corresponding efforts to educate voters about their rights and responsibilities.

The commission has also clarified that individuals previously convicted of election offences within the past five years, those declared of unsound mind, or those who have recently changed their residence must complete additional verification processes.

With Kenya’s political landscape increasingly shaped by youthful voices demanding accountability and change, the success of this registration drive could determine not just electoral participation rates but the very character of future democratic discourse in the country.

The commission expects to release preliminary registration figures by the end of October, providing the first indication of whether this ambitious target will be achieved.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​