Grab your ID: IEBC sets sights on 28 million registered voters for 2027

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- IEBC set a target of 28 million registered voters for the 2027 General Election, up from 22 million in 2022

- The commission outlined a set of guidelines that stakeholders must adhere to in the lead-up to the election

- IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon addressed the commission's preparedness and voter registration ambitions

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set an ambitious target of registering at least 28 million voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, a significant jump from the 22 million Kenyans who were on the electoral roll during the 2022 polls.

IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon disclosed the target as part of the commission's broader preparations for the next election cycle, signalling an intensified push to expand civic participation across the country.

IEBC's Voter Registration Drive

"Our target is to have at least 28 million registered voters by the time the 2027 General Election is conducted. This represents a meaningful expansion of our democratic base and reflects our commitment to ensuring every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to participate," Ethekon said.

The commission indicated it would roll out voter registration exercises across all 47 counties, with special attention directed at regions that historically recorded low turnout and registration figures.

Ethekon noted that young Kenyans entering the voting age bracket represent a key demographic the commission intends to capture during the registration drive.

"We are particularly keen on reaching first-time voters, including young people who have come of age since the last election. They are a vital part of our democracy, and we want to make the registration process as accessible as possible for them," the chairman added.

Guidelines for the 2027 Election

Alongside the registration targets, the IEBC also outlined a set of guidelines that political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders must follow in the period leading up to the general election. The guidelines cover conduct during campaigns, the use of public resources, and the role of media in election coverage, among other areas.

Ethekon emphasised that adherence to the outlined framework was not optional, warning that the commission would not hesitate to act against any party or individual found in violation.

"These guidelines exist to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Compliance is expected from all actors, and the commission will enforce them without fear or favour," he said.

The commission further called on civil society organisations and government agencies to support the voter education drive, stressing that an informed electorate was central to a credible election outcome.

Kenya's voter register stood at approximately 22 million in 2022, and reaching the 28 million mark would require the commission to register an additional six million voters before the next poll. The IEBC has not yet confirmed the specific timelines for the mass registration exercise.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.