IEBC warns against last-minute rush to register as voters
By Kiprono Keileb, April 15, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concerns over a possible last-minute rush as the mass voter registration deadline approaches, urging eligible Kenyans to act early and avoid being locked out of the democratic process.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the commission pointed out the ongoing efforts across the country to ensure no eligible voter is left behind, especially as the countdown to the April 28 deadline continues.
The commission explained that it has been working closely with partners and stakeholders to strengthen outreach programmes, improve coordination, and ensure that registration services reach as many people as possible before the deadline arrives.
“As the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) countdown continues, strengthened partnerships, inclusive outreach and coordinated action remain central to ensuring every eligible citizen is registered ahead of the 28th April 2026 deadline,” IEBC wrote.
During engagements in Kakamega County on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the commission emphasised the importance of citizens taking an active role in shaping leadership through participation in the electoral process rather than remaining passive observers.
“Alutalala Mukhwana led the IEBC Kakamega County team in engaging stakeholders. He stressed the importance of civic participation in the electoral process, reminding citizens that elections are fundamentally a political process that requires active engagement from every eligible Kenyan,” the statement reads.
Failure to register
The commission went further to caution that failure to register in time could mean surrendering one’s voice and allowing others to make decisions on one’s behalf during elections.
“He urged residents to ensure they are registered in time, emphasising that “anyone who does not participate leaves it to others to make a decision on his or her behalf,” and further encouraged citizens to take ownership of their democratic right so they can make informed choices when the time to vote comes,” the statement reads.
Security and coordination were also highlighted as key elements in ensuring the ongoing exercise remains peaceful and accessible, with authorities urged to maintain order throughout the process.
Mukwana also called on security teams and administrative structures to safeguard a peaceful environment for the ongoing registration exercise, while noting Kakamega’s strong performance as a leading county in new voter registration across Western Kenya. Encouraging residents to take advantage of the remaining days of ward-level registration.
“Don’t be left out. Take advantage of the remaining days when the services are at the ward level because after 28th April 2026, the services will go back to the constituency level,” he warned.
Local leaders present during the engagement pledged support for the registration drive, promising to mobilise residents and ensure the county meets and even surpasses its targets.
“Representing the Governor of Kakamega, Mophat Mandela, CECM Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Irrigation and Cooperatives, reaffirmed the county leadership’s strong support for the exercise, noting that Kakamega is currently among the top-performing counties in new voter registration. He pledged continued collaboration with IEBC and committed to mobilising county structures to ensure the County not only meets but surpasses its voter registration targets,” the statement reads.
Administrative officials also assured residents of full support and security, calling on wananchi to take advantage of the remaining time and register without delay.
“Onesmus Kyatha, MBS, County Commissioner, also reaffirmed full administrative and security support for the exercise, assuring a peaceful environment for registration and urging all eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing ward-level registration period. He further emphasised neutrality, coordination, and sustained grassroots mobilisation to ensure no eligible voter is left behind,” the statement reads.
Uncollected national ID cards
The commission also raised concern over thousands of uncollected national ID cards, warning that this could lock many young people out of the process if not urgently addressed.
“Several key issues emerged during the engagement, including concern over 5,066 uncollected national ID cards, calling for stronger collaboration between IEBC, NRB, NGAO, and community structures to ensure IDs reach rightful owners, especially the youth. There was also a strong emphasis on reaching Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and vulnerable groups, ensuring that voter registration remains fully inclusive and accessible at the community level,” the statement reads.