IEBC Defends Kenyatta University Voter Registration Exercise

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended a voter registration exercise conducted at Kenyatta University, saying it deploys registration kits to strategic locations to make it easier for eligible Kenyans to register.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission was aware of a video circulating on social media concerning the exercise but maintained that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process was being conducted within the law.

Ethekon reiterated that every eligible Kenyan has a constitutional right to apply for voter registration and participate in elections at a polling station of their choice.

IEBC Explains Deployment of Registration Kits

The IEBC chairman said voter registration is currently being conducted at all 290 constituency offices, Huduma Centres and the commission's Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

However, he explained that the commission may deploy registration kits to additional strategic locations when operational circumstances require it.

“Where necessary and based on operational considerations, the Commission deploys voter registration kits to strategic locations to reach out and register eligible Kenyan citizens like what happened in Kenyatta University,” Ethekon said.

He said the deployment is intended to improve access to registration services rather than influence voters on where they should cast their ballots.

The clarification follows concerns raised online over the presence of IEBC registration equipment at the university.

Voter Transfer Services Remain Restricted

Ethekon also clarified the distinction between new voter registration and transfer of polling stations.

He said voter transfer services are available only at IEBC constituency offices across the country and are not provided at other registration locations.

The chairman further explained that acknowledgement slips are issued to newly registered voters but not to people seeking to transfer their polling stations because they are already registered voters.

“The role of the IEBC is to facilitate the registration of eligible Kenyans as voters and does not direct, compel or influence voters to select a particular polling station,” Ethekon said.

IEBC Says It Is Investigating Allegations

The electoral commission said it has taken the allegations contained in the circulating video seriously and is working with relevant government agencies to establish what happened.

Ethekon said appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law where wrongdoing is established, including arrests where individuals are found culpable.

“The Commission has taken the allegations in the clip with the seriousness it deserves and it is currently working with relevant Government Agencies to take appropriate action in accordance with the law including making arrests where there is culpability,” he said.

The commission did not indicate how many people may be involved or whether any arrests had been made at the time of the statement.

IEBC Warns Against Interference and Misinformation

The IEBC also warned members of the public against interfering with electoral processes as it continues to carry out its constitutional mandate.

The commission urged Kenyans to obtain information about voter registration through its official communication channels and cautioned against spreading unverified claims that could create confusion or disrupt peaceful coexistence.

The clarification comes as Kenya's electoral authorities intensify preparations for future elections, with voter registration remaining a key component of ensuring eligible citizens can participate in the electoral process.

The IEBC said it will continue providing registration services through designated offices and, where necessary, strategic locations to reach eligible voters.