Steps to Guide You on Getting a Voter’s Registration Card

By Samuel Mwangi Ngari.

The ballot is powerful as the bullet, are the words of legendary American civil rights activist, Malcom X. This article is a step-by-step guide for eligible voters especially new eligible voters.

The Independence electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) kicked off continues voter registration earlier this month in all counties in efforts to register more than 6.3 million voters ahead of 2027 general elections.

Speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA) Chuka, County IEBC Coordinator Mohammed Raka expressed he was elated with the first day tun out in Tharaka Nithi and expressed he was optimistic that the numbers will steadily increase as the registration continues. Raka, called for eligible voters with national identification cards in Tharaka Nithi to get registered. He states in the county they have identified 6,613 individuals in this category.

According to Raka, the exercise is not limited to first-time voters only, as the registration process also allows for transfer of polling stations, targeting voters who wish to change their place of voting and also correction of personal details for those whose details contain errors in the current voter register.

“This is a comprehensive exercise. We are assisting citizens with transfers, corrections and new registrations,” Raka said

To be an eligible voter you must be 18 years or older. You must also be a Kenyan citizen and your citizenship is verified with a national identification (ID) card or a Kenyan passport to enable diaspora residents to vote.

IEBC requires eligible voters to register at polling stations near their place of residence for instance, only Tharaka Nithi residents should be registered as voters in Tharaka Nithi or new residents moving to Tharaka Nithi till the elections period, however they must change details to fit their new place of residence. This is done to enable you to vote at a convenient location and to avoid confusion during the election date.

Kenyan embassies offer designated IEBC facilities primarily for presidential facilities. In your place of residence, locate an IEBC registration centre. Voter’s registration is happening countrywide by IEBC officials in schools, government buildings, constituency offices and community centres.

To easily locate an IEBC registration centre near your place of residence you can search it on the IEBC official website which offers information on registration and the government does local announcements too.

After locating a centre close to you, one is required their national ID or a Kenyan passport at the designated registration centre. An ID or Kenyan passport enables the IEBC officer to verify your personal information and to review your documentation ensuring it matches your registration requirements.

After verification is done, the IEBC officer is required to take your biometric data by using the IEBC biometric systems to record your fingerprints and take a photo. This data ensures every voter has a unique profile to avoid election fraud and duplication of details.

After your biometric data is confirmed, the IEBC will ask you to verify the information on the registration receipt. At this stage, one should do their due diligence and ensure the information matches the receipt to avoid being nullified from voting.

If the information is correct, you will receive a printed registration receipt to confirm your successful registration.

Diaspora voters who are eligible voters, their registration often requires pre-arranged appointments and documentation review at the embassies or consulates. They need to provide a Kenyan passport and they maybe required to further add proof of residency. IEBC regularly updates registration guidelines for diaspora voters to help them stay informed and prepared to vote.

The last step is to check your registration details and status. This can be done either online; where the IEBC provides an online portal where registered voters can verify their details. After accessing the IEBC online portal, locate to the voter verification section and enter your ID or passport number and view your voter’s details.

One can also check their details by also visiting a physical IEBC office or call their helplines. Equally one can check their details via SMS option, which is quicker and more assessable if you lack an internet connection.

It is worth noting that the SMS option services, one may incur some fee which is deducted from your mobile balance but the good part is you get an instant response. To check your voter status via SMS, send your ID number or passport number to the designated IEBC SMS code which is 70000. Wait for the response, which typically arrives within a few seconds.

Registering early as a voter is important not to miss IEBC deadlines. While IEBC has not stipulated a deadline date it is important to register early to avoid last minute rush and risking disqualifications to vote which would result to one not practicing their democratic rights. Simply visit an IEBC constituency office near you and get registered within few seconds.

Following the outlines above, one can easily be registered as a voter. Voting is a democratic and patriotic duty for every eligible Kenyan. Tag an eligible friend along and become registered today.

“If you do not use the ballot you are going to use the bullet,”- Malcom X