Kenyans urged to register, transfer votes, or update details as continuous registration drive restarts after November by-elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will resume continuous voter registration (CVR) in 27 constituencies on Monday, January 12, after suspending the exercise to facilitate by-elections held on November 27.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced the restart in a gazette notice dated January 9, lifting the pause that had been in place across the affected areas.
The 27 constituencies are: Magarini, Baringo South, Galole, Mogotio, Fafi, Eldama Ravine, Banissa, Narok North, Machakos Town, Kajiado Central, Turkana North, Khwisero, Turkana West, Kabuchai, Samburu North, Ugunja, Moiben, Kasipul, Keiyo South, West Mugirango, Chesumei, North Mugirango, Tiaty, Borabu, Baringo North, Embakasi North, and Baringo Central.
The commission successfully conducted by-elections in 22 electoral areas last November, filling five parliamentary seats and 17 county assembly wards.
Under Article 88 of the Constitution, IEBC is required to maintain continuous voter registration at all 290 constituency offices nationwide. Eligible citizens can now visit their local offices to register as new voters, transfer their registration, update personal details, or verify their status.
Registration centres will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Any Kenyan aged 18 or older holding a valid national ID or passport qualifies to register, Ethekon emphasized.
However, the resumption excludes Mbeere North and Malava constituencies, where election petitions remain pending.
In Mbeere North, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende narrowly won the parliamentary seat with 15,802 votes, defeating Democratic Party’s Newton Karish by just 494 votes (15,308). Chama Cha Kazi’s Duncan Mbui placed third with 2,480 votes in a nine-candidate race. Two voters have challenged Muthende’s victory; the petitions will be heard at Embu High Court before Justice Richard Mwongo.
In Malava, UDA’s David Ndakwa emerged victorious with 21,564 votes, edging out DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, who received 20,210 votes.
With the voter roll now reopening in most suspended areas, IEBC is calling on eligible citizens to participate and ensure their details are up to date ahead of future elections.
