IEBC says voter registration is continuing as it prepares for Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
The electoral commission says no credible evidence supports claims of foreigners joining Kenya’s voter register and pledges action against any proven malpractice.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed allegations that foreigners are being enrolled as Kenyan voters, asking those making the claims to submit verifiable evidence.
The commission also rejected claims of unlawful voter transfers and other electoral malpractice involving registration within Kenya and abroad. It said no credible evidence had been presented to substantiate the allegations.
The response comes as the electoral agency continues registering voters and preparing for the 2027 General Election. IEBC maintained that it remains open to credible complaints about the exercise.
Commission promises action on credible complaints
IEBC Chair Erustus Ethekon said the commission would take appropriate action if evidence of wrongdoing was brought to its attention. Such action could include disciplinary measures and, where warranted, referral for criminal investigation and prosecution.
The commission said accusations involving illegal registration, improper transfers or favouritism must be supported by information that can be verified. It expressed concern about reports it described as misleading, unverified and sensationalised.
IEBC warned that circulating unsupported allegations about the registration exercise could weaken public confidence in the electoral process. Its position was that complaints should be backed by evidence that allows the agency to investigate and respond.
Identification required for voter registration
The commission said voter registration follows requirements set out in the Constitution, the Elections Act and other electoral laws. Applicants must present valid identification documents, including a national identity card or Kenyan passport.
IEBC also drew a distinction between its electoral mandate and the issuance of citizenship identification documents. Its role, it said, is to register eligible Kenyan citizens and maintain the voter register, not to issue national identity cards or passports.
That distinction formed part of its response to claims that foreigners were being added to the register. The commission maintained that registration operates through a structured process governed by law.
Registration continues ahead of 2027 election
IEBC said Continuous Voter Registration has been running since September 29, 2025, at designated centres across all 290 constituencies. The exercise is part of its ongoing preparations for the next general election.
The agency said more than 2.6 million new voters had been registered since the current commissioners assumed office. It also outlined engagement with civil society organisations, religious groups, universities, professional associations and community leaders to support registration.
As preparations continue, IEBC said its priority is an election that meets standards of fairness, transparency, accountability, credibility and verifiability. It reiterated that credible reports of malpractice would receive attention while asking those alleging wrongdoing to provide supporting evidence.
