Nairobi, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that Kenyan voters experiencing difficulties verifying their registration status online should physically visit voter registration centers or constituency offices for assistance.
The directive follows growing public concern over persistent technical errors on the commission’s online verification portal. Over the weekend, numerous voters took to social media platforms to report that they were unable to access their voter details, prompting activist Allans Ademba, founder of the Niko Kadi initiative, to seek clarification from an IEBC commissioner.
A preliminary review by local media indicated that some voters attempting to log into the IEBC portal encountered an error message stating: “Voter with ID or passport provided is not found. If registered, visit your IEBC constituency office.”
In response to inquiries, an IEBC commissioner reiterated the guidance embedded in the error message, emphasizing that affected individuals must visit their respective constituency offices for further action. The commissioner noted that the visit is not merely for routine verification but may be required to address a range of underlying issues.
“If an individual is not found but was registered, they must visit the constituency office for follow-up. Many scenarios need to be pursued,” the commissioner stated.
Notably, the technical issue appears to affect newly registered voters disproportionately, while previously registered voters have not reported similar errors. This trend has raised logistical concerns, especially as the Niko Kadi initiative—launched in late March—has helped drive new voter registrations to over 200,000 nationwide. Critics warn that requiring each new registrant to visit one of the 290 constituency offices could overwhelm the system and disrupt ongoing registration exercises.
Presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame also voiced concerns, alleging irregularities in the voter register. He claimed that while his own details were present, his wife—who has voted alongside him at the same polling station in the last three elections—was absent from the register.
“This is nothing but advanced rigging of the next election,” Kigame asserted.
The IEBC responded by requesting Kigame to submit his wife’s details for verification.
Confusion surrounding voter registration and verification has intensified over the past week, particularly after the commission advised voters registered before 2012 to re-check their details. The IEBC has since clarified that not all pre-2012 registrants require fresh registration—only those who did not present themselves for biometric registration when the current digital system was introduced in 2012.
According to the commission, the current Register of Voters (RoV) was established following the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and subsequent electoral reforms. The shift from a manual register to a biometric system was designed to enhance security and verifiability of voter data.
