IEBC Rejects Claims of Voter Smuggling Claims at Kenya-Uganda Border

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rejected allegations that foreigners are being facilitated to obtain Kenyan identification documents and register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The allegations emerged in a media investigation that claimed some Ugandan nationals were being assisted to acquire Kenyan identification documents and subsequently register as voters.

In a response issued on Sunday, the IEBC described the claims as “sensationalized and unsubstantiated,” saying they could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The Commission said it had not received credible evidence from any individual, organisation or group supporting allegations of widespread illegal voter registration or the onboarding of foreigners onto Kenya’s voter register.

IEBC Promises Action Where Evidence Exists

The electoral commission said allegations of malpractice should be supported by credible evidence and submitted through appropriate channels.

It said that where credible evidence is presented, it would take appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, investigations into possible criminal conduct and prosecution where culpability is established.

The response comes as Kenya continues preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election, with voter registration and electoral preparedness remaining key issues. IEBC’s official website currently lists the 2027 election date and ongoing preparations.

Allegations Emerge During Voter Registration Drive

The media investigation cited claims by individuals identifying themselves as Ugandan nationals who alleged that obtaining Kenyan identification documents and subsequently registering as voters could be facilitated through certain locations.

The allegations also claimed that some Kenyan identification documents were being processed from locations outside Kenya.

However, these claims have not been independently established by the IEBC, which maintains that no credible evidence of such organised malpractice has been submitted to the Commission.

The distinction is significant because possession of a Kenyan national identification document and eligibility to vote are separate legal matters. Kenya's voter-registration rules require eligible citizens to present a valid Kenyan National Identity Card or passport.

IEBC Registration Figures

The IEBC's official data shows that its 2026 enhanced voter-registration exercise recorded 2,612,725 new voters.

According to the Commission, the figure comprised 267,249 registrations conducted through its offices and 2,345,476 registrations recorded during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted between March 30 and April 28, 2026.

The Commission also recorded 49,502 voter transfers and 1,066 changes or updates of voter particulars during the registration exercise.

IEBC had earlier announced a target of 2.5 million new voters for the enhanced registration exercise.

Eligibility to Register as a Voter

The legal requirements for voter registration remain central to the controversy.

A March 2026 Kenya Gazette notice issued through the IEBC stated that registration was open to Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above who possessed a valid Kenyan passport or national identity card.

The Commission has also maintained voter-verification services through its official portal, allowing registered voters to check their particulars using their identification document information.

2027 Election Preparations

The IEBC is targeting an expanded voter register ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Commission has also been working on electoral inclusion for eligible Kenyan citizens living outside the country, as part of broader preparations for the next election.

The allegations surrounding the Kenya-Uganda border are therefore emerging at a time when the integrity of the voter register is under increased public scrutiny.

For now, the IEBC maintains that the reported claims have not been substantiated by credible evidence submitted to the Commission.

The electoral body has nevertheless stated that it will investigate and take appropriate legal action if credible evidence of voter-registration malpractice is presented.