IEBC To Launch Online Voter Registration Targeting Gen-Zs Ahead Of 2027

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to roll out a new digital platform aimed at simplifying voter registration, particularly for the youth.

The system will allow citizens to complete registration forms online, with physical visits to registration centres required only for biometric verification.

This initiative is part of the Commission’s drive to boost participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a prayer breakfast on Wednesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon described the platform: “We are introducing a digital platform where you have a link, a pre-registration form, you can fill all your details, and all you need to do is walk into the nearest Huduma or registration centre and give your fingerprints.”

Ethekon emphasised that registering more voters is central to preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Commission plans to enrol 6.3 million new voters – including those who recently turned 18 and unregistered citizens – and to assist those wishing to transfer their registration to other polling stations.

The first phase of the registration exercise has already brought in around 200,000 new voters. Despite the relatively low initial numbers, Ethekon stressed that the Commission’s outreach at the constituency level continues, with a nationwide push scheduled for March.

“We are not worried because of the low numbers. Continuous voter registration is based at the constituency level. We plan to roll out a mass voter registration in March, and through that we will set up registration centres in every village,” he said.

The Commission is committed to ensuring that the voter roll is accurate and represents all eligible citizens. Ethekon also appealed to religious leaders, media practitioners, and stakeholders to play a role in “making 2027 the best election in the history of Kenya.”

The Chairperson acknowledged challenges that could slow down the registration drive. Limited budgets, he said, may restrict the Commission’s ability to reach young people, vulnerable groups, and communities with limited digital access.

“Without these budgets, we will be incapacitated to reach out to these young people, vulnerable persons and places without the digital media,” he said.

Other hurdles include pending legal reforms such as the 2/3 gender rule, which aims to increase women’s participation in politics.

Ethekon also cautioned that the reduction of the Commission’s requested election budget from Sh61.7 billion to Sh57.3 billion could affect operations, potentially forcing a scale-down of staff at polling stations and the national tallying centre.

Currently, Kenya has 22.1 million registered voters. IEBC expects this figure to rise to 28.4 million by the 2027 elections.