The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has set a target to increase the country's voter roll to 28.63 million ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election. This represents an increase of 6.3 million registrations from the current 22.3 million voters. To achieve this, the commission plans to implement a continuous voter registration process throughout the year, with a more intensive annual drive to meet the target.
To accommodate the larger voter roll, the IEBC plans to increase the number of polling stations from 46,229 to 55,393, creating 9,164 new centres. The placement of these additional stations will be decided after the registration exercise, based on voter density and the distance voters travel to existing centres. This move aims to reduce congestion at polling stations and improve the overall voting experience.
The IEBC also seeks to raise the statutory maximum of 700 voters per station to 1,000, a change approved by the Senate in December 2024. However, the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, led by Tharaka MP George Murugara, has expressed opposition to the change. The committee chair warned that MPs will propose amendments to retain the 700-voter cap when the Elections (Amendment) Bill reaches its third reading.
The commission's efforts to expand the voter roll and polling stations are part of a broader strategy to improve the electoral process. The IEBC has shifted its forecasting model from census-based estimates to a voter-eligible population approach using data from the National Registration Bureau and Directorate of Immigration Services. This new approach aims to provide a more accurate estimate of the eligible voter population.
The IEBC has also begun preparations for the procurement of Kenya Integrated Elections Management System kits, which will be required for the 2027 polls. Officials estimate that 59,959 kits will be needed, including 3,959 kits reserved for training constituency election officials. The commission's preparations are aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient electoral process.
The final voter register will be verified six months before the election, and the commission is working to ensure that the registration process is inclusive and accessible to all eligible voters. The IEBC chair, Erastus Ethekon, has emphasized the importance of the registration exercise in determining the success of the 2027 General Election.
The IEBC's plans to expand the voter roll and polling stations have been welcomed by stakeholders, who see them as crucial steps towards improving the electoral process. With the 2027 General Election approaching, the commission's efforts to engage voters and improve the voting experience will be closely watched.
Key points
- The IEBC aims to increase the voter roll to 28.63 million and polling stations to 55,393 for the 2027 General Election.
- The commission plans to raise the statutory maximum of 700 voters per station to 1,000, pending approval.
- The IEBC has shifted its forecasting model to a voter-eligible population approach using data from the National Registration Bureau and Directorate of Immigration Services.
