The Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) has sharply criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over its ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR).

The Eugene Wamalwa-led party has accused the electoral body of “playing games” with the voter register ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In an X post dated April 4, 2026, the party said: “Dear IEBC @IEBCKenya, hii mchezo ya taun won’t be allowed. If 99% of all those who voted in 2022 were successfully identified using biometrics, why the new call for registration? Don’t try those games again.”

The criticism follows a detailed statement by IEBC on April 3, defending the exercise. The Commission explained that the current biometric Register of Voters (RoV) was established in 2012 following the 2010 Constitution and the introduction of biometric registration.

“Pre-2012 registrations do not form part of the existing biometric database,” the Commission said, noting that fresh enrolment is necessary to ensure accuracy. The 30-day ECVR began on March 30, 2026, and will close on April 28, with no extension.

Registration is ongoing daily, including weekends and public holidays, at all 1,450 County Assembly Wards, higher learning institutions, Huduma Centres, the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers, and constituency offices.

Progress and targets

The registration drive, themed “Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration,” targets 2.5 million new voters. As of April 2, 2026, IEBC reported 344,316 newly registered voters, alongside 18,610 transfers and 329 updates of particulars.

This builds on 273,498 registered during a previous constituency-based drive that began in September 2025. Citizens can register at any centre without travelling to their home counties, thanks to open kits that allow registration while voting remains at a preferred polling station.

Young people and first-time voters are particularly encouraged to participate in the initiative, ensuring they obtain their voter cards.

Opposition concerns and political context

DAP-K’s strong reaction reflects ongoing opposition scrutiny of electoral processes in Kenya. The party questions the necessity of a fresh registration, highlighting the reported 99 percent success rate of biometric matching in 2022 and suggesting that another large-scale drive could create opportunities for irregularities.

Analysts note that tensions between political actors and IEBC are common as the country prepares for 2027, with opposition parties closely monitoring registration and verification exercises. IEBC maintains that the ECVR is routine but essential to clean and expand the register, enhance inclusivity, and prepare for credible polls.

With about 25 days remaining in the intensified registration window, the Commission urges eligible Kenyans to participate, particularly during the Easter holidays.