Nyamira is the poorest-performing county in voter registration in the nation, with just 18 new voters registered since CVR exercise started on September 29.
As per an update issued by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday night, the country’s registration numbers are still troublingly low, with a total of 20,754 new voters registered as of October 8.
The commission further indicated 3,207 voter transfers and 61 detail updates, numbers that it termed as “disappointing,” especially considering the country’s goal of enrolling 6.3 million new voters in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
“Despite the commendation of this milestone, registration among the targeted youth remains below target,” IEBC added, urging recently registered young Kenyans to report to their local constituency offices and register.
Urban Counties Are Leading as Rural Numbers Trail Behind
Nairobi topped the list with 4,804 new registrations, followed by 1,105 voter transfers and 10 updates. Mombasa was second with 1,379, and Kiambu third with 1,203 new voters.
Others such as Machakos (923), Nakuru (840), Kisii (728), Kakamega (608), Murang’a (588), and Siaya (564) also recorded moderate numbers.
Seven counties, however, recorded fewer than 100 new voters. These were Nyamira, Tana River, Lamu, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet. Tana River had 42, Lamu 36, Isiolo 81, Tharaka Nithi 70, Samburu 67, and Elgeyo Marakwet 75.
IEBC Targets 6.3 Million New Voters
The ongoing voter registration drive is taking place at the time that IEBC is racing against the clock to achieve its 6.3 million target of new voters two years to the next general election.
The Commission has undertaken a number of steps to increase efficiency, including enhanced ID scanning technology, additional registration kits per constituency, and plans to disperse kits at ward and Huduma Centres.
IEBC hoped that the reforms would boost turnout in the weeks to come, inviting citizens to seize the chance to have their voices heard.
“Every registered Kenyan citizen has a right to be counted. The right of voting begins with being on the roll,” the Commission reaffirmed.
