557,000 uncollected IDs: How backlog could affect IEBC’s 2027 voter registration exercise
The government’s race to trace more than 557,000 uncollected national identity cards has raised fresh questions about Kenya’s preparedness for the 2027 General Election, with concerns that thousands of eligible citizens could face difficulties registering as voters if the backlog is not cleared in time. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has launched […]
Kenya's government is racing to trace over 557,000 uncollected national identity cards, raising concerns about the country's readiness for the 2027 General Election. Nearly 400,000 of these cards have been uncollected for more than a decade, raising questions about citizens' ability to register to vote. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plans to hold voter registration in January 2027, requiring eligible Kenyans to possess the necessary identification documents.
The eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above, holding either a national ID card or a valid Kenyan passport. Those without either document may face difficulties registering, with the backlog potentially impacting thousands of eligible voters. The government has enlisted local chiefs to help trace the applicants, but the situation underscores the need for a swift resolution to the backlog to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
