The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has resumed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and launched an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise in five electoral areas ahead of anticipated by-elections.
In a public notice, the commission said the month-long exercise began on Thursday, June 25, and will run until Saturday, July 25, in Mbeere North Constituency, Porro Ward in Samburu West Constituency, Endo Ward in Marakwet East Constituency, Emurua Dikirr Constituency and Malava Constituency.
"Registration services under the ECVR shall be provided daily, from Monday to Sunday during the ECVR registration period," the commission said in the notice.
The electoral agency said the exercise will be conducted at county assembly ward level, constituency offices, Huduma Centres, institutions of higher learning located within the specified electoral areas and at the commission's Customer Experience Centre on the ground floor of Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
"The exercise will be conducted at County Assembly Ward level as well as Constituency Offices, Huduma Centers, Institutions of Higher Learning located within the specified electoral areas and at the Commission's Customer Experience Center," the IEBC said.
The commission further announced that once the enhanced registration exercise concludes on July 25, regular Continuous Voter Registration and revision of the register of voters will continue at constituency offices.
"Upon conclusion of the ECVR exercise, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and regular revision of the Register of Voters will continue at the respective Constituency Offices from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.," the notice stated.
The registration drive comes as the IEBC intensifies preparations for by-elections in areas that currently lack elected representation. The exercise is also intended to allow eligible Kenyans who have attained the age of 18 years to register as voters and enable already registered voters to transfer polling stations or update their registration details.
The resumption of voter registration marks one of the commission's key activities following its reconstitution after a prolonged period during which it operated without its full complement of commissioners. During that period, the commission was unable to undertake major electoral activities, including the conduct of by-elections and a nationwide voter registration exercise.
The latest registration drive is expected to update the voters' register in the affected electoral areas and lay the groundwork for upcoming electoral contests, while also ensuring eligible citizens are not locked out of participating in future elections.
