The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has registered 344,316 new voters in the first days of the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise.
In a status update released Thursday, the commission said the exercise, which began on March 30, will run for 30 days and end on April 28 across all 1,450 County Assembly Wards, institutions of higher learning, Huduma Centres, constituency offices and its headquarters at Anniversary Towers.
The commission said 18,610 voters have applied for transfers, while 329 have updated their registration details.
The voter registration drive is being conducted under the theme “Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration,” with officials urging eligible Kenyans to turn up in large numbers.
Registration is ongoing daily, including weekends and public holidays, with the commission specifically calling on citizens to take advantage of the Easter period.
“Only 25 days remain as this ECVR will close on April 28. There will be no extension,” the commission said.
The latest figures come against the backdrop of growing focus on the youth vote, particularly Gen Z voters who are expected to play an increasingly decisive role in Kenya’s elections. Many of those turning 18 after the 2022 Kenyan General Election are now eligible to register, forming a significant bloc that could reshape future political contests.
Analysts say Gen Z voters—digitally connected, politically vocal and often disillusioned with traditional leadership—have already demonstrated their influence through online mobilisation and civic engagement. However, their impact at the ballot has been limited by low registration and turnout rates.
The IEBC’s push, including outreach in universities and public institutions, is partly aimed at capturing this demographic, which remains underrepresented in the voter register despite its size.
The commission has in recent years faced scrutiny over voter turnout trends, with concerns that younger Kenyans are less likely to participate in elections compared to older generations.
Officials say expanding the register through exercises such as ECVR is critical to strengthening democratic participation and ensuring the voter roll reflects the country’s changing demographics.
The IEBC warned that once the exercise ends, voter registration services will revert to constituency offices, limiting access for many who may miss the window.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to update the country’s voter register and expand participation ahead of future elections, amid continued scrutiny over the credibility and inclusivity of the electoral process.
