The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has stepped up efforts to boost voter registration by directing eligible Kenyans to register at constituency offices, Huduma Centres and its Customer Experience Centre in Nairobi as it begins laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election.
The commission said the expanded registration points are intended to make voter registration more accessible and encourage continuous enrolment, particularly among first-time voters who have attained the age of 18.
Eligible citizens can register at any IEBC constituency office across the country, any Huduma Centre or the IEBC Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
The renewed appeal comes as the electoral agency seeks to build a comprehensive and credible voters' register, widely regarded as the foundation of a free and fair election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has previously urged eligible Kenyans not to delay registering, saying participation in elections begins with enrolment.
"The right to vote starts with voter registration. We encourage every eligible Kenyan to register early and verify their details to ensure they participate in the electoral process," he said during an earlier voter registration campaign.
Election experts say continuous voter registration is critical in ensuring eligible citizens are not locked out of the electoral process because they missed periodic mass registration drives.
Unlike previous years when voter registration was largely concentrated during limited nationwide exercises, the commission has maintained permanent registration centres to enable Kenyans to register throughout the electoral cycle.
Former IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan has in the past described the voters' register as the backbone of credible elections.
"A credible election starts with a credible register. Every eligible Kenyan should take advantage of the opportunity to register because every vote matters," he said during an earlier registration exercise.
Political analysts say the inclusion of Huduma Centres is expected to improve access to electoral services, especially in urban areas where the centres attract thousands of citizens seeking government services daily.
The move is also expected to ease pressure on constituency offices while encouraging young people, who make up the largest share of Kenya's population, to register in greater numbers.
Low youth registration has remained a concern in successive elections despite young people accounting for a significant proportion of eligible voters.
Civil society organisations have repeatedly called on the commission to complement continuous registration with sustained civic education campaigns to improve awareness on voter eligibility, registration procedures and participation in elections.
Former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati consistently emphasised the importance of voter registration as the gateway to democratic participation.
"Voting is the sovereign right of every Kenyan. Registering as a voter is the first step towards exercising that constitutional right," the late said during a previous voter registration drive.
The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan citizen who has attained the age of 18 years the right to register as a voter, provided they possess a valid national identity card or a Kenyan passport.
With preparations for the 2027 General Election gathering pace, the commission is expected to intensify public awareness campaigns to encourage more Kenyans to enlist.
