Kenyans are known for their patriotism. We are keen on monitoring the government and making any concerns about the country’s situation known. Whether through demonstrations or voting, this patriotism has led to many changes that have ensured that our country remains the democratic republic our forefathers fought to make. To exercise our civic duty, the first step every Kenyan above 18 years old should take is to register as a voter.
Every 5 years, Kenya holds its general elections where Kenyans vote in their preferred leaders. Registering as a voter is the most effective way to ensure that the state is in the right hands. Here is a guide on how to register as a voter in Kenya with the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Requirements
Original National ID or valid Kenyan passport. Photocopies and screenshots are not acceptable
Qualifications
Under Article 83 of the Constitution, a person must meet the following qualifications to register as voter in Kenya:
- Citizen of Kenya
- Sound mind
- 18 years and above
- Not convicted of election offense during the last 5 years
Process to register as a voter in Kenya
- Visit the IEBC constituency office, IEBC county office, a Huduma Center that supports IEBC services, Kenyan embassy (for diaspora) or mobile registration centers during mass registrations. Centers operate from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
- The registration officer will take your identification documents and check them against government records
- You will then be given an application from (Form A) to fill in.
- The officer will input your details into the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) System. They include full legal name, date of birth, ID/passport number, gender, county and preferred voting location. You will then be asked to verify the details
- After verifying, the officer will take a passport photo of you, scan all 10 fingerprints and take your signature digitally. If you have a physical disability that prevents fingerprint scanning, alternative procedures will be used
- After entering and confirming your data, you will receive a registration acknowledgment slip which contains your full name, constituency, polling station and registration number
- The IEBC will take 30 to 60 days to compile and release the provisional voter register. You’re expected to verify your information, submit any corrections or report any fraudulent registration. This is done at the IEBC office, through SMS or the IEBC website
- A final register of voters is gazetted after the verification process is completed. This is the list used during elections
- If you’re a registered voter but you have moved to a new polling area, changed your name, replaced your ID or noticed an error during verification, you should visit the IEBC office with your ID and request to fill Form D (Transfer or Update Request)
- For those residing outside Kenya, the registration exercise is done in Kenyan embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. The process is similar to the one in Kenya
Note: In Kenya, registration is a continuous process which stops 60 days before a general election. For those in the diaspora, the process is usually done during a fixed period.