NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that eligible Kenyans can register as voters in any part of the country, regardless of their physical location.
The commission says applicants are free to choose their preferred polling station anywhere in Kenya during registration, in a move aimed at improving accessibility and boosting participation ahead of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
Speaking during a voter education forum in Kiambu Town, Senior Elections Officer Beatrice Saki Muli said there are no geographic restrictions on where citizens register.
“You can walk into a registration centre in Kiambu and still choose to vote in Kisii or any other county. What matters is indicating your preferred polling station at the point of registration,” Muli explained.
The clarification comes amid concerns from electoral officials over low turnout in the current registration drive, partly driven by misinformation and public uncertainty about the process.
A Voter Registration Assistant (VRA) in Riabai Ward said some residents remain hesitant despite repeated public awareness efforts.
“We have been informing residents that they can register and vote anywhere in the country, but some still doubt the process, fearing they may be forced to vote in locations they did not choose,” the VRA said.
IEBC officials say they are scaling up civic education to address misconceptions and encourage more Kenyans to register before the deadline.
Carol Muriithi, who leads voter mobilisation in Kiambu Constituency, said the commission has adopted a more community-based approach to reach eligible voters.
“We are setting up registration and sensitisation camps in churches, sports grounds, and town centres, including during weekends, to ensure we reach as many people as possible,” she said.
She added that collaboration with religious institutions has also been key in spreading voter awareness.
“We request churches to allow us to sensitise congregants during services or share voter education messages during announcements,” she noted.
The ongoing exercise is part of a 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration drive, with IEBC targeting 9,922 new voters in Kiambu Constituency.
The target is distributed across four wards: Riabai (1,817), Township (3,939), Ndumberi (2,520), and Ting’ang’a (1,646).
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The commission has simplified registration requirements, with applicants only required to present a valid national identity card.
Registered voters who wish to change polling stations have been advised to visit their nearest IEBC constituency office in Kiambu Town to update their details.
The commission continues to urge eligible citizens to take advantage of the remaining days before the April 28, 2026 deadline to participate in the democratic process.
The clarification comes at a time when electoral bodies across the region are intensifying voter mobilisation efforts ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, with Kenya focusing on improving turnout, especially among young and first-time voters.
