The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has announced that it will soon resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the country. This decision comes as part of efforts to prepare for the 2027 general elections and to respond to the increasing demand by young Kenyans to be more involved in the democratic process.
According to a statement released on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Chairman of the IEBC, Mr. Edung Ethekon, said the commission is currently finalising internal preparations and will issue an official gazette notice by August 2025 to announce the specific dates for the resumption of voter registration.
He said, “The IEBC is currently finalising internal processes and will, in August 2025, announce via a gazette notice the timelines for resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to allow eligible citizens of Kenya to register as voters.”
The chairman also acknowledged the rising interest of young people in Kenya’s electoral system and their calls for greater involvement in shaping the future of the country. He said the commission is aware of the voices of Kenyan youths and appreciates their desire to be recognised and involved in nation-building.
“Indeed, we hear the voices of young Kenyans demanding the opportunity to be counted and to be actively involved in the democratic processes of rebuilding our country, Kenya,” the statement noted.
The announcement follows closely after an earlier assurance by the electoral body regarding its readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible general elections, which are scheduled for August 10, 2027.
During a press briefing held on July 19, 2025, Mr. Ethekon restated the commission’s commitment to fully uphold the Constitution of Kenya and ensure the elections are inclusive, transparent, and peaceful. He said, “As the commission embarks on its roadmap for the August 10, 2027, elections, we wish to assure the public of the preparedness of the commission to deliver inclusive, credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in strict compliance with the constitution of Kenya and all the electoral laws.”
He added that the success of any strong democracy depends not just on institutions like the IEBC but also on the active involvement of all citizens and electoral stakeholders. According to him, the commission is open to working with all sectors of society to strengthen the electoral process in Kenya.
“A robust democracy relies on institutional integrity and active participation of all members of the public. The commission therefore invites fellow citizens and other stakeholders, including parliament, the media, civil society, and development partners, to collaborate with us as we execute these priority tasks,” he said.
The IEBC is also expected to unveil a General Elections Management Plan (GEMP) that will include timelines, voter education programmes, and other operational plans leading to the 2027 elections. The plan will serve as a blueprint to ensure that all key activities are carried out effectively and transparently.
Analysts have welcomed the move to resume voter registration, especially at a time when public trust in electoral bodies across Africa is being tested. In Kenya, voter apathy among young people has been a major concern, and the new announcement may help in reversing that trend.
Civic groups and political parties have already started mobilising ahead of the CVR exercise, urging eligible citizens—especially first-time voters—to come out and register once the official dates are announced.
The 2027 general elections are seen as a major milestone for Kenya’s democratic journey, and the IEBC’s early preparations could play a big role in ensuring a credible and peaceful outcome.
