Kenyans to Register as Voters via Mobile Phones
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to introduce a new digital voter registration system that will allow Kenyans to register using their mobile phones, Commissioner Anne Nderitu has revealed.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Ms Nderitu said the commission is finalising plans to implement a mobile-based system designed to simplify and modernise the voter registration process. The move is part of IEBC’s broader effort to leverage technology in enhancing electoral integrity and participation.
According to Ms Nderitu, the upcoming system will feature a pre-registration module that enables citizens to input their personal details remotely before visiting an IEBC centre to complete the process.
“In terms of digital registration, we are actually processing and coming up with what we are calling a pre-registration module,” Nderitu explained. “You capture your data — just the way you would on other digital platforms — by scanning your national ID. There’s usually some coding at the back of the ID, and once that is read, your data is automatically populated into the system.”
She noted that once the details are submitted, applicants will be able to schedule an appointment with a registration officer to finalise their registration in person. The final stage will involve the capture of biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, to verify voter identity.
“You’ll still need to go to the registration office for the biometric capture,” she clarified. “But the process leading up to that point will be much faster and more convenient.”
Ms Nderitu compared the proposed system to other digital government services already in place, such as those managed through the eCitizen portal and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), saying that the model is both practical and secure.
“It’s similar to what you see with other government services,” she said. “You fill in your details online, and then you only need to make one short visit to complete the process.”
Why IEBC Is Going Digital
Explaining the motivation behind the digital shift, Ms Nderitu said the IEBC is developing the platform internally through its Directorate of ICT, using a team of young, skilled Kenyan developers. The aim, she said, is to reduce congestion at registration centres and improve efficiency across the voter registration process.
“We have an in-house ICT team that is working on this system,” she revealed. “It’s part of our commitment to adopt innovative, homegrown solutions that improve service delivery and voter experience.”
The commissioner added that the digital system will be launched as part of the Enhanced Voter Registration (EVR) programme, ensuring that it aligns with the commission’s existing frameworks for transparency and data protection.
Ms Nderitu emphasised that the new initiative will make voter registration more accessible and inclusive, particularly for citizens in remote areas who face logistical challenges reaching registration centres.
“Through this initiative, we want to make voter registration more accessible, streamlined, and convenient for all Kenyans,” she said. “Technology gives us the opportunity to reach more people and make the process smoother without compromising integrity.”
Although no official rollout date has been announced, Ms Nderitu expressed confidence that the mobile-based registration platform will mark a major milestone in the IEBC’s ongoing efforts to modernise Kenya’s electoral systems ahead of future elections.
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Kenyans to Register as Voters via Mobile Phones