This is because the voter registration system underwent a major transition in 2012 following the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the delimitation of electoral boundaries.
Prior to that, the Register of Voters (ROV) was maintained manually.
In 2012, the Commission introduced a biometric voter registration system, which required all eligible Kenyans to enrol afresh and have their biometric data captured.
This system has been in use since the 2013 General Election and remains the basis of the current voter register.
The Commission emphasised that it has not directed all voters who registered before 2012 to register again.
Instead, the requirement only applies to those who may have missed the 2012 biometric registration exercise and have not registered since.
“As of the 2022 General Election, the Commission maintained an accurate and audited register comprising 22,120,458 voters,” the statement noted.
The IEBC reiterated that the current register is credible and continues to be updated through periodic voter registration exercises.
It assured the public that there is no cause for alarm and urged eligible citizens to verify their registration status where necessary.
The clarification is expected to ease confusion among voters, particularly those who participated in elections prior to 2013 and were unsure whether their details were still valid under the current system.
Election officials have encouraged Kenyans to remain informed and to take advantage of ongoing and future voter registration drives to ensure they are properly registered ahead of any upcoming electoral processes.
The Commission also underscored its commitment to inclusivity and public participation as it continues to strengthen electoral systems in the country.
“There is no need for panic. The process is clear and targeted,” the Commission said, reiterating that only a specific group of voters is affected by the requirement.
It further encouraged members of the public to seek clarification through official communication channels and avoid misinformation that could lead to unnecessary concern.
The IEBC maintained that its goal is to ensure that all eligible voters are captured in the register in a transparent and efficient manner, in line with constitutional requirements.
“@IEBCKenya is inclusive and participatory as we deepen Kenya’s democracy,” the Commission stated.