IEBC Dismisses Claims of Illegal Voter Registration and Missing KIEMS Kits

 IEBC Dismisses Claims of Illegal Voter Registration and Missing KIEMS Kits

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has firmly rejected allegations of illegal voter registration, unlawful voter transfers, registration of foreigners, and missing Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits. According to the Commission, the claims are unsubstantiated, unsupported by evidence, and do not reflect the reality of the ongoing voter registration exercise. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that no individual, organization, or group has provided credible proof to support the allegations. He warned that the spread of unverified information could mislead the public and undermine confidence in preparations for Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The Commission clarified that its constitutional mandate under Article 88 of the Constitution is limited to registering eligible Kenyan citizens who possess valid national identity cards or passports and maintaining the voter register. IEBC emphasized that it does not issue identification documents or passports, as those functions belong to other government agencies responsible for citizenship, immigration, and registration services. Consequently, linking the Commission to the issuance of IDs or passports is inaccurate and misleading. The Commission further noted that Continuous Voter Registration has been underway since September 2025 through gazetted registration centers across the country, Huduma Centres, and the Customer Care Centre at Anniversary Towers. 

Addressing concerns about KIEMS kits, IEBC stated that all devices remain under its custody and control. The Commission explained that KIEMS kits are operated by authorized registration officers and can only be used at officially gazetted registration centers. During previous voter registration exercises, movement schedules for the kits were documented and shared with stakeholders, while the devices were securely stored at designated police stations or IEBC offices when not in use. According to the Commission, no KIEMS kit has been reported missing, intercepted, or moved to unauthorized locations either within or outside Kenya. IEBC therefore dismissed reports suggesting otherwise as false and misleading. 

The Commission also defended the constitutional rights of Kenyans living abroad to participate in elections. It noted that the Constitution requires the progressive registration of citizens residing outside Kenya and the gradual realization of their voting rights. IEBC revealed that it plans to expand diaspora voter registration to additional countries ahead of the 2027 General Election, ensuring that more eligible Kenyan citizens abroad can participate in the democratic process. 

In conclusion, the IEBC has called on individuals and organizations with evidence of electoral irregularities to report such matters through the appropriate legal and institutional channels. The Commission maintains that transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law remain central to its operations. It has also urged the public to verify information before sharing it, stressing that misinformation can erode public trust in electoral institutions. As preparations for the 2027 General Election continue, IEBC says it remains committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive voter registration process. 

References

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). (2026). Response to allegations and claims aired on ongoing continuous voter registration exercise. Retrieved from IEBC official communication.

Lagat, F. (2026, September 27). IEBC dismisses claims of illegal voter registration and missing KIEMS kits. People Daily.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. (2026). Press releases and voter registration updates.