The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) registers eligible Kenyan voters, maintains the register of voters and conducts elections. Voter registration and verification are different processes: registration enters an eligible citizen into the register, while verification confirms the details already recorded.
Who is eligible to register?
A voter must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 years or above and meet constitutional and legal eligibility requirements. Applicants need the original Kenyan national identity card or a valid Kenyan passport. Kenya’s Constitution also provides limits relating to disqualification; applicants should consult current IEBC regulations for individual cases.
How to register as a voter
- Check IEBC announcements about registration services available in your constituency and any temporarily suspended exercises.
- Go in person to a designated IEBC registration centre with your original national ID or valid Kenyan passport.
- Provide the information and biometrics required by the authorised registration officer.
- Review your recorded details and keep any acknowledgement issued.
Registration cannot be completed merely by entering details on an unofficial website. IEBC describes continuous voter registration at approved centres, subject to electoral-period restrictions and applicable notices.
Check your voter registration status online
Open the official IEBC Voter Verification Portal, enter the requested ID or passport number and follow the on-screen instructions. Only submit personal identification details on a genuine IEBC domain.
Can I check by SMS?
SMS numbers and charges have changed between electoral cycles. Do not assume historical numbers such as 70000 are active; use only the SMS service currently announced by IEBC, if one is available.
Changing your polling station
A voter may be able to transfer registration to another centre during an authorised registration period, subject to IEBC requirements. Ask an electoral officer what evidence or attendance is required.
Official contacts and useful links
Website: iebc.or.ke.
Voter check: verify.iebc.or.ke.
Regional office guide: IEBC regional offices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register twice?
No. Multiple registrations are prohibited. Seek assistance from IEBC if your records contain an error.
Do I need an acknowledgement slip to vote?
IEBC’s published guidance has stated that the registration acknowledgement slip is not the document required for voting; follow the current official instructions about voter identification.
Is online verification the same as registration?
No. Online verification is a check of existing records, not a substitute for the in-person registration process.
