IEBC Voter Registration: Key Questions the Commission Must Address Before August Rollout
- IEBC announced plans to begin Continuous Voter Registration in August, marking its first major exercise since the 2022 General Election
- However, crucial questions remain unanswered about procurement of system to be used, data protection, and stakeholder engagement
- With the ghost of past missteps under the previous commission still looming, public trust in the process will depend on how IEBC handles these early stages
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is gearing up for a major electoral milestone, but big questions still hang in the air.
Source: Twitter
In a press release dated Monday, July 21, IEBC announced its intention to roll out Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in August.
This will be the new commission's first high-stakes test, and how they handle it could shape the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
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However, beyond the announcement, there remains a pressing need for the IEBC to provide more clarity and demonstrate transparency.
With Kenya’s electoral history marked by mistrust and logistical failings, the public and stakeholders deserve more than broad commitments.
Below are key areas where the commission must offer detailed explanations if it hopes to gain public confidence and comply with legal requirements.
1. ICT system selection and transparency
The Smartmatic contract used in the last election expired, raising concerns about the technology the Commission intends to adopt for the upcoming registration.
IEBC must confirm which voter registration platform it will use and ensure it aligns with Regulation 4(1) of the Elections (Technology) Regulations, 2017.
That regulation demands the use of systems that are secure, reliable, and auditable. Furthermore, according to Section 78(1) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, any tender above the set threshold must be advertised through the IFMIS eGP portal.
So far, there has been no clear update on this matter.
2. Timely issuance of tender notices
To avoid last-minute complications, the Commission must make public the timelines for issuing prequalification notices for ICT vendors.
This step is essential for proper procurement planning and ensuring that only eligible, well-reviewed companies participate in the process.
3. Stakeholder participation and validation
IEBC is legally obligated to involve stakeholders in reviewing and approving technical specifications.
According to Section 81(1) of the PPADA and Regulation 5(1)(b) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Regulations, 2020, public participation is not optional.
Political parties, civil society organisations, and tech experts must be invited to validate the system's security and performance requirements before anything is finalised.
4. Data governance framework
Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, places a duty on public bodies to establish clear policies on data ownership, retention, and transfer.
The IEBC must outline how it plans to manage the voter data lifecycle once the contract ends.
Voter data is not only sensitive but politically consequential, and there must be a transparent framework for how it is protected and eventually transitioned.
5. Full budget disclosure
To enable proper public and parliamentary oversight, IEBC should provide a detailed five-year total cost of ownership for the registration system.
This includes expenses for licensing, hardware, maintenance, and training. Section 76(1) of the PPADA requires this information as part of the Commission's annual procurement plan.
6. Clear exit strategy
What happens at the end of the contract? Regulation 145(1) of the PPAD Regulations requires that an exit strategy be negotiated and disclosed in advance.
IEBC must explain how it will handle the transfer or handover of systems and data, including a possible migration to an in-house solution or a different provider.
The shadow of the last commission under Wafula Chebukati still lingers. Many of its procurement decisions were rushed, with courts unable to intervene in time due to the closeness of the election period. That pattern cannot be repeated.
For the CVR process to succeed, Kenyans need more than just announcements. IEBC owe the country transparency, timely action, and respect for the rule of law.
The IEBC must answer these critical questions before embarking on one of its most important responsibilities.
Source: Facebook
Will Kenyans vote without IDs in 2027?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that ODM leader Raila Odinga unveiled a new set of electoral reform proposals aimed at reshaping Kenya’s voting system ahead of the 2027 polls.
Raila suggested that presidential and other elective positions be voted for separately to improve electoral accountability.
A key part of his proposal was the call for simplified voter registration, advocating for the use of national identity cards as the sole requirement for voting.
He argued that the current need for a separate voter card has excluded many eligible voters, especially in areas with limited access to registration services.
Raila also encouraged the adoption of digital technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve election operations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
