The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) launched its latest voter registration exercise, introducing advanced biometric measures that include scanning IDs, fingerprints, iris data, and capturing voter photos.
Aimed at boosting transparency and curbing electoral fraud, the initiative kicked off across Kenya’s 24,559 registration centres, targeting 6.3 million new voters before the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana emphasised that these changes, implemented via Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits, will streamline the process and ensure accuracy.
The registration process begins with voters presenting their national ID or passport to an IEBC officer, who scans it using a tablet to verify identity and check for prior registration.
This step aims to eliminate errors like misspelt names or duplicate entries. Next, voters move to a biometric station where their fingerprints, iris data, and a passport-style photo are captured.
The iris scan, a first for Kenya’s elections, addresses issues like faded fingerprints, ensuring robust voter identification. Mukhwana noted, “The ID allows accurate data entry, while iris scans enhance verification.” The entire process takes about 10 minutes, with tech-savvy voters potentially finishing in five.
The inclusion of iris scans has sparked debate. While IEBC assures compliance with Kenyan law, concerns linger about data privacy, given the 2019 Data Protection Act’s strict requirements for biometric data. KICTANet, a digital rights group, called for clearer safeguards, citing Kenya’s history of surveillance overreach.
On social media, voters questioned, “Who secures our iris data?” Mukhwana responded that the technology targets only new voters to strengthen electoral integrity, with legal reviews underway.
To boost accessibility, IEBC introduced flexible registration options. Voters can register at any centre, including Huduma Centres, starting next week and choose a different polling station for voting—ideal for urban workers planning to vote upcountry.
Four BVR kits per constituency, up from one or two, aim to reduce queues. IEBC’s chair, Erastus Ethekon, teased a “Gen-Z friendly” innovation, sparking speculation about online registration, though details remain undisclosed.
The exercise builds on the 22.1 million voters registered in 2022, aiming for 28 million by 2027. With Kenya’s electoral history marred by disputes, these biometric enhancements signal a push for credibility, though public trust hinges on data security assurances.