Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana has called on Kenyans to urgently register as voters, warning that failure to participate in the electoral process effectively hands over decision-making power to others.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement forum in Kakamega, Mukhwana stressed the importance of civic responsibility and active citizen participation.
“Anyone who does not participate leaves it to others to make a decision on his or her behalf,” he said.
“It is important that every eligible Kenyan takes ownership of their democratic right so they can make informed choices when the time to vote comes.”
The commissioner urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing ward-level registration under the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, noting that the window for accessing services closer to communities is rapidly closing.
“Don’t be left out. Take advantage of the remaining days when the services are at the ward level because after April 28, 2026, the services will go back to the constituency level,” Mukhwana said.
The ECVR exercise, which began on March 30, will conclude on April 28, 2026.
The initiative is being implemented across County Assembly Wards on a rotational basis, guided by kit movement schedules to ensure wider reach.
In addition, fixed registration points have been established at constituency offices, Huduma Centres, universities and colleges, as well as the IEBC Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
Mukhwana, who led the Kakamega County IEBC team in engaging local stakeholders, underscored the need for strengthened partnerships, inclusive outreach, and coordinated action to ensure maximum voter registration ahead of the deadline.
He noted that Kakamega County has emerged as one of the leading regions in Western Kenya in terms of new voter registration numbers.
“Elections are fundamentally a political process that requires active engagement from every eligible Kenyan,” he said. “We are encouraged by the response in Kakamega, but we must sustain the momentum to ensure no one is left behind.”
The commissioner also called on security agencies and local administrative structures to maintain a peaceful environment throughout the registration period, emphasising that stability is key to enabling citizens to exercise their rights without fear or disruption.
Registration services are currently available daily, including weekends, with applicants required to present a valid national identity card or Kenyan passport.
In addition to new registrations, the exercise allows already registered voters to transfer their voting locations or update their personal details.
IEBC officials clarified that voters seeking to transfer their registration must present themselves at IEBC offices in their preferred electoral areas, while those wishing to update their details are required to visit the offices where they are currently registered.
