Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has updated the public on the progress of the continuous voter registration exercise across the country, which was relaunched on September 29, 2025, in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

According to the commission, the exercise is ongoing in all parts of the country except in electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled.

In a press statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, reported encouraging progress in the number of new voter enrolments since the resumption of the exercise.

“As of October2, 2025, new enrolments stood at 7,048, while 259 voters successfully transferred their registration to new electoral areas. Additionally, eight voters updated their details nationally,” he said.

Ethekon explained that, as outlined in Section 2 of the Elections Act, Cap 7, the voter registration process involves collecting both biographic information and biometric identifiers. Previously, the Commission only captured fingerprints and a digital facial photograph as biometric identifiers. However, this year, an additional biometric feature, the iris, has been introduced.

He clarified that iris recognition serves as an alternative means of voter identification should fingerprint recognition fail.

“The inclusion of iris recognition is expressly permitted under the law, which provides for biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves, DNA, and signatures,” he stated.

Ethekon further said the commission’s commitment to data protection and privacy. He assured that all information collected during the registration process is securely stored, accessed only by authorised officers and used strictly for legally sanctioned purposes.

“Any unauthorised access, misuse or compromise of voter data will attract the full sanctions of the law,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, the IEBC chair reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that voter registration services remain accessible, inclusive, transparent and efficient nationwide, except in areas preparing for the November 27, 2025 by-elections.

He added that the commission has put in place robust monitoring systems and sustained civic awareness campaigns to encourage participation and safeguard the integrity, inclusivity and credibility of the registration process.

Ethekon concluded by urging all eligible citizens, especially the youth and first-time voters, to take advantage of the ongoing exercise.

“The IEBC calls upon all eligible Kenyans to register as voters. By doing so, we strengthen our democracy, uphold our institutions, and secure the nation’s future,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi