The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has intensified stakeholder engagement as it prepares to roll out the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission, through its Voter Education, Partnerships, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Committee chaired by Alutalala Mukhwana, on Thursday hosted members of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) to brief them on the level of preparedness for the nationwide voter registration drive.
The PPLC delegation was led by its chairperson Evans Misati, with discussions focusing on collaboration between the commission and political parties in mobilising citizens and ensuring a smooth registration process.
Speaking during the meeting, Mukhwana said the ECVR exercise will officially be launched on March 30, 2026, in Kwale County. He noted that the coastal county was deliberately selected to reflect the commission’s commitment to inclusivity, youth-centred engagement and reaching all eligible voters across the country.
“Stakeholders are key drivers of the political process, and their engagement is essential to the success of the exercise,” he said, underscoring the role of political parties in encouraging voter participation.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the exercise will run for 30 days, describing it as an intensive but strategic phase within a broader, continuous effort to strengthen voter registration and participation.
She emphasised the need to guide and mobilise young people responsibly, noting that the commission is targeting increased youth registration as part of efforts to broaden democratic participation.
“The focus is on ensuring widespread youth registration while maintaining a credible and accessible process,” she said.
Nderitu added that the commission is transitioning to a mobile, outreach-based registration model that will bring services closer to wananchi through markets, institutions and other public spaces. The approach, she said, is aimed at improving accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.
She reiterated the commission’s theme, “Deepening democracy through inclusive voter registration,” noting that elections are fundamentally about the people and that the IEBC’s role is to facilitate a transparent, inclusive and efficient process for all eligible citizens.
In his remarks, Misati welcomed the engagement, commending the commission for keeping political parties informed and involved in the preparations. He said sustained dialogue between stakeholders would help keep the process on track.
The latest consultations come amid heightened political activity as the country gradually shifts focus to the 2027 elections. The voter registration exercise is expected to play a critical role in shaping the credibility of the polls.
The IEBC has faced scrutiny in past elections, particularly over voter register integrity and results management. The upcoming exercise is therefore seen as a key test of the commission’s ability to rebuild public confidence while expanding the voter roll, especially among young and first-time voters.
