The countdown to Kenya's 2027 general elections has subtly picked up pace, marked by a crucial development from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). After a temporary, days-long shutdown attributed to essential maintenance, the electoral body announced on Tuesday that its voter verification portal is now fully operational once again. This reopening is a significant step, allowing millions of Kenyans to confirm their registration details and ensuring the integrity of the voter roll as the next major electoral cycle draws closer.
The brief closure had raised questions among some citizens, but the IEBC's swift re-establishment of the service underscores its commitment to transparency and voter accessibility. For any previously registered voter, the moment to cross-check their records has arrived, providing a vital opportunity to ensure their democratic voice is accurately captured. The process is remarkably straightforward, offering two convenient methods for verification.
Kenyans can effortlessly confirm their voter details via SMS. By simply sending their national ID or passport number – depending on which document was used during registration – to the shortcode 70000, individuals can receive their crucial information directly to their mobile phones. This accessible method caters to a wide demographic, ensuring that even those with limited internet access can verify their status.
Alternatively, for those with internet access, the IEBC's dedicated online portal provides a comprehensive verification experience. By visiting https://verify.iebc.or.ke, voters are prompted to input their ID or passport number along with their year of birth. Upon submission, the portal swiftly loads up a detailed summary of their voter information. This includes essential data such as their full name, county name, constituency, and ward name. Crucially, it also displays their polling centre name, polling station name, and polling station number (stream) – vital details for election day planning. For added convenience and record-keeping, users have the option to download their complete voter details as a PDF document.
The resumption of the verification portal is not just about confirming existing voters; it's a strategic move as the IEBC gears up for the significant task of registering new voters. The commission currently holds records for over 22.1 million registered voters from the 2022 general election. Looking ahead to 2027, the IEBC projects an ambitious target of registering an additional 5.7 million new voters, which would bring the total electorate to an estimated 28 million. This projected increase highlights the commission's forward-looking approach and the anticipated growth in democratic participation.
