IEBC Clarifies Iris Scan in Voter Registration is Optional
IEBC has moved to calm Kenyans that iris scanning in the ongoing voter registration is not compulsory.
For the first time in Kenya’s electoral history, new eligible voters were told their eyes would be scanned alongside fingerprints to build a more comprehensive biometric database. The initiative launched on Monday, September 29, got mixed reactions with some citizens raising privacy concerns and questioning the legality of collecting such sensitive data.
IEBC Director of Voter Education and Partnerships, Joyce Ekuam, said iris recognition technology was introduced to improve the security and accuracy of voter data. But she stressed it’s voluntary and no one will be excluded for refusing the scan.
“It’s meant to further secure voters’ information but it’s not mandatory,” Ekuam said.
Addressing concerns about trust in the commission, Ekuam said Kenya’s ballot papers have more security features than the KSh1,000 banknote. She also highlighted the cost of elections citing high media advertising rates and operational expenses.
At the same time, Ekuam urged young Kenyans to take voter registration seriously, saying participation in elections is the most direct way to influence the country’s leadership.
According to IEBC, Kenya has 6.3 million new eligible voters. The commission is targeting 10 percent of them in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The second phase, Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) Phase 1 will target 40 percent of the group while the final phase running until early 2027 will cover the remaining 50 percent.
“We are targeting 10 percent now, 40 percent in the second phase and the remaining 50 percent by January or February 2027,” Ekuam told TV47.
The clarification comes as the public debates the balance between adopting modern election technologies and protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
Also Read: Rigathi Gachagua in Fresh Scandal Over Alleged Illegal Occupation of Nairobi Property
IEBC Clarifies Iris Scan in Voter Registration is Optional