Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has raised concerns over low turnout in the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, with just two weeks left before the April 28, 2026, deadline.

Taking to his Facebook page on Monday, April 13, 2026, Kahiga warned that the national target remains far from being achieved, with only 17.87 per cent of the expected voters registered since the exercise began on March 30.

“With only two weeks remaining before the exercise concludes on April 28 2026, it is concerning that the national registration target remains significantly unmet. Since the commencement of the exercise on 30th March 2026, only 17.87 per cent of the targeted voters have been registered,” Kahiga said.

According to Kahiga, in Nyeri County, only 24,992 people had registered out of a target of 139,892 set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as of April 12.

Low turnout areas

He noted that some areas, such as Mukurweini, have recorded particularly low turnout, with registration levels standing at just 9 per cent.

“In Nyeri County, out of the 139,892 individuals targeted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), only 24,992 had been registered as of April 12, 2026,” Kahiga said.

The county boss pointed to logistical challenges hindering the process, including approximately 15,000 uncollected national identity cards at Registration of Persons offices.

He said the IDs are a key requirement for voter registration, effectively locking out thousands of eligible voters.

“Additionally, approximately 15,000 national identity cards remain uncollected at Registration of Persons offices, further hindering eligible citizens from participating in the process. This calls for renewed commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders to intensify civic awareness and mobilization efforts at the grassroots level,” Kahiga stated.

Kahiga further stated that a collective approach will be critical in ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered and empowered to exercise their democratic right to vote, urging all eligible voters to register now and not wait for the last-minute rush.

IEBC new voters

In its latest update on Friday, April 10, 2026, the Commission revealed that 531,185 new voters have been registered between April 3 and April 9, 2026, under the ongoing Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise.

This brings the total number of newly registered voters since the exercise began on March 30, 2026, to an impressive 875,501.

According to the IEBC, the nationwide registration drive is being conducted across all 1,450 County Assembly Wards, as well as in institutions of higher learning, Huduma Centres, constituency offices, and the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers.

The IEBC praised Kenyans for their enthusiastic response, describing the turnout as a strong indicator of civic responsibility and national pride.

“In just seven days, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers. This growth is not just a statistic; it is a testament to a nation that is awake, engaged, and ready to take charge of its destiny,” the Commission said in a press statement.

“We wish to extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the hundreds of thousands of citizens who have stepped forward to claim their right to vote. To every Kenyan who stood in line this week: thank you for answering the call of your country.”