The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that Kenyans can register as voters in any part of the country, regardless of where they are physically located, as it intensifies efforts to boost turnout ahead of the April 28 deadline for the first phase of the mass voter registration.
Speaking during a voter education forum in Kiambu Town, Senior Elections Officer Beatrice Saki Muli said prospective voters are not restricted to registering in the areas where they present themselves. Instead, they are free to choose their preferred polling station anywhere in the country during registration.
“You can walk into a registration centre in Kiambu and still choose to vote in Kisii or any other county. What matters is indicating your preferred polling station at the point of registration,” Muli explained.
The clarification follows concerns raised by voter registration officials over low turnout, partly attributed to misconceptions about the process. A Voter Registration Assistant (VRA) from Riabai Ward noted that some residents remain hesitant despite assurances from IEBC staff.
“We have been informing residents that they can register and vote anywhere in the country, but some still doubt the process, fearing they may be forced to vote in locations they did not choose,” the VRA said.
IEBC officials say they are stepping up public awareness campaigns to address such misconceptions and encourage more citizens to register. Carol Muriithi, who is in charge of voter mobilisation in Kiambu Constituency, said the commission has adopted a grassroots approach to reach more people.
“We are setting up registration and sensitisation camps in churches, sports grounds, and town centres, including during weekends, to ensure we reach as many people as possible,” she said.
Muriithi added that the IEBC is also collaborating with religious institutions to spread awareness on voter registration.
“We request churches to allow us to sensitise congregants during services or share voter education messages during announcements,” she noted.
The ongoing exercise is part of a 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration drive, with the IEBC targeting 9,922 new voters in Kiambu Constituency during this phase. The target is distributed across four wards: Riabai (1,817), Township (3,939), Ndumberi (2,520), and Ting’ang’a (1,646).
According to the commission, the registration process has been simplified to encourage wider participation. Applicants are only required to present their original national identity cards, with no additional documentation needed.
At the same time, registered voters wishing to transfer their polling stations have been advised to visit the IEBC constituency office in Kiambu Town to update their details.
The IEBC has urged all eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the remaining days before the April 28, 2026 deadline to register and participate in the democratic process.
By Rose Muthoni
