The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined its election preparedness plans for the 2027 General Election, projecting that Kenya’s voter register could increase to approximately 28.5 million by the time Kenyans head to the polls.
In a press release issued in Nairobi on August 20, 2026, the electoral commission said the publication of Kenya Gazette Notice No. 13497 had formally marked the commencement of the election period for the August 10, 2027 General Election.
The Gazette notice also brought into force two key legal instruments governing the electoral process: the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act. The IEBC said these measures form part of the legal framework guiding preparations for the next General Election.
The commission said its Election Operations Plan is anchored on the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and will guide its activities as it prepares for the 2027 polls. It reiterated its commitment to conducting an election in accordance with the law while upholding independence, accountability, transparency and professionalism.
According to the electoral agency, a clean, accurate and verifiable register of voters remains a critical foundation for a credible election.
The IEBC noted that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which was launched on September 29, 2025, has continued to allow eligible Kenyans to register as voters, transfer their registration and update their personal details.
The commission reported that Kenya had 22.1 million registered voters in 2022. For the 2027 General Election, however, it is projecting a voter population of approximately 28.5 million.
As part of efforts to expand voter participation, the IEBC is also increasing registration opportunities for Kenyans living outside the country. The commission said it is expanding voter registration for citizens in the diaspora from 12 to 26 countries, a move intended to broaden the participation of eligible Kenyans residing abroad.
As of August 20, 2026, the IEBC said 2,936,516 Kenyans had registered as voters under the ongoing registration process.
The latest figures come as preparations for the 2027 General Election enter a more critical phase following the formal commencement of the election period. The commission is expected to continue implementing its preparations as it works towards delivering what it describes as a credible and inclusive election.
