According to the Commission’s final report released on Tuesday, a total of 2,612,725 voters were registered across the country during the two-phase exercise, with Gen Z participation emerging as a key highlight that officials say has exceeded expectations.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the turnout reflects a renewed national interest in the electoral process, noting that young voters in particular played a major role in boosting registration figures across multiple regions.
He described the outcome as a strong indicator of growing civic awareness and confidence in Kenya’s democratic systems, especially among first-time and young voters who formed a large share of the newly registered electorate.
“This exercise demonstrates a strong national willingness to participate in the democratic process and indicates a high level of preparedness for the 2027 General Election,” Ethekon said.
While presenting the report, the Commission highlighted that Nairobi County recorded the highest number of new registrations at 276,886, followed by Kiambu with 128,859 and Nakuru with 102,207.
Other counties, including Kakamega, Bungoma, and Machakos, also posted strong voter registration numbers, further reflecting widespread national engagement.
IEBC officials noted that one of the most surprising trends was the level of enthusiasm among Gen Z voters, many of whom registered in large numbers through digital awareness campaigns and simplified registration processes.
IEBC officials noted that one of the most surprising trends was the level of enthusiasm among Gen Z voters, many of whom registered in large numbers through digital awareness campaigns and simplified registration processes.
The Commission said this demographic was more responsive than anticipated, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
Ethekon attributed the success of the exercise to operational reforms introduced by the Commission, including the enhanced continuous registration model, which allowed citizens to register at Huduma Centres, higher learning institutions, constituency offices, and the IEBC Customer Service Centre in Nairobi.
He said the decentralized approach made registration more accessible, efficient, and inclusive, particularly for young people who previously faced logistical challenges in accessing IEBC offices.
“The enhanced continuous registration model has proven to be more effective, inclusive, efficient, and scalable nationwide,” he added.
The Commission now says it will shift focus to verifying, cleaning, and auditing the new voter register to ensure accuracy and credibility ahead of the next electoral cycle.
IEBC also reiterated that maintaining trust in the electoral process remains a priority, stressing that the integrity of the register will be crucial in delivering a free, fair, and transparent 2027 General Election.
With Gen Z emerging as a dominant force in the latest registration exercise, political analysts say parties will likely intensify efforts to court the youth vote, which could play a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s next leadership transition.
Ethekon attributed the success of the exercise to operational reforms introduced by the Commission, including the enhanced continuous registration model, which allowed citizens to register at Huduma Centres, higher learning institutions, constituency offices, and the IEBC Customer Service Centre in Nairobi.
He said the decentralized approach made registration more accessible, efficient, and inclusive, particularly for young people who previously faced logistical challenges in accessing IEBC offices.
“The enhanced continuous registration model has proven to be more effective, inclusive, efficient, and scalable nationwide,” he added.
The Commission now says it will shift focus to verifying, cleaning, and auditing the new voter register to ensure accuracy and credibility ahead of the next electoral cycle.
IEBC also reiterated that maintaining trust in the electoral process remains a priority, stressing that the integrity of the register will be crucial in delivering a free, fair, and transparent 2027 General Election.
With Gen Z emerging as a dominant force in the latest registration exercise, political analysts say parties will likely intensify efforts to court the youth vote, which could play a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s next leadership transition.
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