Voter guide
How to register and vote in Kenya
Everything you need to take part in the 2027 general election — who can register, how to do it, how to check you’re on the roll, and where to find your IEBC office.
How to register, step by step
1. Get your ID
You must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 or older with a valid national ID card or Kenyan passport.
2. Find a registration centre
Visit any IEBC constituency office or a designated registration centre. Kenya uses continuous registration, so you can register between elections too.
3. Register in person — it’s free
Bring your original ID or passport. Your details are captured on the spot. Registration never costs anything.
4. Verify your details
Before the election, confirm your registration and polling station through the official IEBC verification service at iebc.or.ke.
5. Find your candidates
Come back to Baraza, set your ward, and follow the people who will be on your ballot.
Key dates
Voter registration
Ongoing (continuous)
Register at IEBC offices between elections; special mass-registration drives are announced by the IEBC.
General election
August 2027
The Constitution sets election day as the second Tuesday of August every five years.
Registration & verification deadlines
To be gazetted
The IEBC publishes exact cut-off dates closer to the election on iebc.or.ke.
IEBC offices
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) runs voter registration and elections. Its head office is at Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi. For the exact location and contacts of your constituency office, use the official IEBC website.
Visit iebc.or.ke| County | Constituencies | |
|---|---|---|
| Baringo | 6 | Candidates |
| Bomet | 5 | Candidates |
| Bungoma | 9 | Candidates |
| Busia | 7 | Candidates |
| Elgeyo-Marakwet | 4 | Candidates |
| Embu | 4 | Candidates |
| Garissa | 6 | Candidates |
| Homa Bay | 8 | Candidates |
| Isiolo | 2 | Candidates |
| Kajiado | 5 | Candidates |
| Kakamega | 12 | Candidates |
| Kericho | 6 | Candidates |
| Kiambu | 12 | Candidates |
| Kilifi | 7 | Candidates |
| Kirinyaga | 4 | Candidates |
| Kisii | 9 | Candidates |
| Kisumu | 7 | Candidates |
| Kitui | 8 | Candidates |
| Kwale | 4 | Candidates |
| Laikipia | 3 | Candidates |
| Lamu | 2 | Candidates |
| Machakos | 8 | Candidates |
| Makueni | 6 | Candidates |
| Mandera | 6 | Candidates |
| Marsabit | 4 | Candidates |
| Meru | 9 | Candidates |
| Migori | 8 | Candidates |
| Mombasa | 6 | Candidates |
| Murang'a | 7 | Candidates |
| Nairobi City | 17 | Candidates |
| Nakuru | 11 | Candidates |
| Nandi | 6 | Candidates |
| Narok | 6 | Candidates |
| Nyamira | 4 | Candidates |
| Nyandarua | 5 | Candidates |
| Nyeri | 6 | Candidates |
| Samburu | 3 | Candidates |
| Siaya | 6 | Candidates |
| Taita-Taveta | 4 | Candidates |
| Tana River | 3 | Candidates |
| Tharaka-Nithi | 3 | Candidates |
| Trans Nzoia | 5 | Candidates |
| Turkana | 6 | Candidates |
| Uasin Gishu | 6 | Candidates |
| Vihiga | 5 | Candidates |
| Wajir | 6 | Candidates |
| West Pokot | 4 | Candidates |
Answers to one question at a time
The guide above covers registering end to end. These go deeper on a single question each.
Voter questions, answered
- Who can register to vote in Kenya?
- Any Kenyan citizen who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid Kenyan national ID card or a valid Kenyan passport can register to vote, provided they are of sound mind and not otherwise disqualified by law.
- How do I register to vote?
- Register in person at any IEBC constituency office, or at a designated registration centre during an IEBC registration exercise, with your original national ID card or Kenyan passport. Kenya uses continuous voter registration, so you can usually register outside election periods. Confirm current centres on the official IEBC website, iebc.or.ke.
- Is voter registration free?
- Yes. Registering to vote in Kenya is completely free. No one should ask you to pay to register — be cautious of anyone who does.
- What do I need to bring to register?
- Bring your original Kenyan national ID card or a valid Kenyan passport. That is the only document required, and registration is free.
- How do I check if I am already registered?
- The IEBC runs an official voter verification service before elections, through its website and, during verification windows, by SMS. Always confirm your registration and polling station through the official IEBC channel at iebc.or.ke — never enter your ID number on unofficial sites.
- Can I transfer my polling station or update my details?
- Yes. During the IEBC’s registration and transfer windows you can update your details or transfer to a new polling station at an IEBC office. The exact windows are announced by the IEBC ahead of each election.
- When is the next general election?
- Under the Constitution of Kenya, a general election is held on the second Tuesday of August every five years. The next general election is due in August 2027. The IEBC gazettes the exact deadlines for registration, verification and campaigns closer to the date.
- What is “Niko Kadi”?
- “Niko Kadi” — Swahili for “I have the card” — is a youth-led movement encouraging young Kenyans to get their national ID and register to vote ahead of 2027. Once you are registered, Baraza helps you find, follow and question the candidates who will be on your ballot.
- Where do I vote on election day?
- You vote at the polling station where you registered. Confirm your polling station through the official IEBC verification service before election day so you know exactly where to go.
Registered and ready? Find the candidates on your ballot →