Voter Rush Builds as IEBC Registers Over 1.3 Million in 18 Days

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 17 April 2026 - A wave of new voters is reshaping Kenya’s electoral roll, with more than 1.3 million people signing up in just over two weeks as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Fresh data from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shows that 1,370,930 Kenyans registered between 30 March and 16 April 2026 under the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) drive. The figure marks a sharp jump of nearly half a million new voters since the last update a week earlier.

The Commission says much of this momentum is being driven by young, first-time voters stepping forward to take part in the democratic process.

“The Commission extends its deepest gratitude to the 1,370,930 Kenyans who have registered… many of them are young first-time voters signalling their commitment to participate,” IEBC said in a statement.

Across the country, the turnout tells a broader story of renewed civic interest—from busy urban centres to remote regions where even elderly citizens have joined the exercise.

“From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the remote reaches of Kwale… the message is clear: Kenya is ready,” the Commission noted.

Nairobi leads in new registrations with 150,166 voters, followed by Kiambu (72,055), Kakamega (61,797), Nakuru (57,068) and Machakos (47,348). At the lower end, Lamu, Isiolo and Nyandarua recorded comparatively smaller numbers.

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Beyond new sign-ups, the exercise has also seen steady activity from existing voters. The IEBC reported 92,602 transfers, where voters changed polling stations, and 1,969 updates of personal details.

With just days left before the April 28 deadline, the Commission is urging those yet to register to take advantage of the final window.

“This ECVR presents a window for accessible service… eligible Kenyans are urged to take advantage of it while it remains open,” IEBC said.

Importantly, the Commission clarified that voters can register from any location and choose their preferred polling station, removing the need to travel to their home constituencies.