The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rejected allegations of illegal voter registration, voter transfers and the registration of foreigners, saying it has not received credible evidence to substantiate the claims as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The Commission issued the response after a KTN teaser raised questions about the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and alleged irregularities involving voter registration materials. The IEBC said reports circulating in mainstream and social media had created misleading narratives about its operations and constitutional mandate.
“The stories on electoral malpractice or illegality relating to the registration of voters, illegal transfers of voters and alleged registration of foreigners as voters in Kenya and abroad remain unsubstantiated and untrue,” the Commission said.
The IEBC said the CVR exercise is being conducted across all 290 constituencies as part of preparations for the next General Election.
IEBC demands evidence
The Commission said allegations should be backed by verifiable evidence and pledged to take action where wrongdoing is established.
“Where credible evidence is presented, the Commission shall take appropriate action including disciplinary action, investigation into criminal conduct and where culpability is established, criminal prosecution and punishment,” it said.
The response comes amid increased scrutiny of the voter registration process ahead of the 2027 polls. The IEBC has previously said continuous voter registration is being conducted at constituency offices nationwide, while enhanced registration exercises have also been deployed to expand access to eligible citizens.
The Commission’s latest statement, however, does not establish that every allegation raised in public or by the media is false; rather, it says no credible evidence supporting the specific claims has been submitted to it.
What IEBC can do
The Commission also sought to clarify its constitutional responsibilities, particularly following claims linking it to the issuance of Kenyan identification documents.
Under Article 88 of the Constitution, the IEBC is responsible for voter registration and maintaining the Register of Voters. The Commission said it does not issue national identity cards or Kenyan passports.
“IEBC does not issue National IDs or Kenyan passports,” it said, adding that those functions belong to state agencies responsible for identification, citizenship and immigration.
The distinction is significant because eligibility for voter registration depends on a person’s status as a Kenyan citizen and possession of the required identification documents. The IEBC’s role is to register eligible citizens as voters and maintain the electoral register, rather than determine or issue the underlying citizenship and identification documents.
2027 register under scrutiny
The integrity of the voters’ register is expected to remain a major issue as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 election.
In 2026, the IEBC conducted an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise from March 30 to April 28, covering all 290 constituencies alongside other registration locations. The Commission said the exercise was designed to accelerate voter enrolment and improve access to registration services.
The electoral body has also previously reported voter registration and transfer activity during the ongoing cycle, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate records as the 2027 election approaches.
The latest dispute places renewed attention on how voter registration is conducted, how allegations of irregularities are investigated and how evidence concerning the voters’ register is independently scrutinised.
The IEBC said it remains committed to informing the public about its procedures and addressing what it considers misinformation and disinformation.
It urged stakeholders to rely on verified information and said any credible evidence of electoral malpractice should be submitted to the Commission for investigation and appropriate action under Kenyan law.
The Commission said its objective is to promote public awareness and “facilitate informed participation in the electoral process” as preparations for the 2027 General Election continue.
