Quick Answer
To vote in Kenya you must be a registered voter — a Kenyan citizen, at least 18 years old, holding a valid national ID or passport. You register, update or transfer your details at IEBC constituency offices.
Key facts
- You must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 or older.
- You need an original national ID or a valid Kenyan passport.
- You register at IEBC constituency offices (one in each of the 290 constituencies).
- You can confirm, update or transfer your registration.
Who is eligible to register?
Under Article 83 of the Constitution, you may register as a voter if you:
- Are a Kenyan citizen;
- Are at least 18 years old;
- Hold a valid national ID card or Kenyan passport;
- Are of sound mind; and
- Have not been convicted of an election offence in the previous five years.
You may only register once, and at one polling station.
How to register
Registration is done in person at an IEBC constituency office. Bring your original national ID or passport — photocopies, ID waiting cards and police abstracts are not accepted. The IEBC captures your biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) so each voter has a unique record. You register for the ward, constituency and county where you want to vote.
Check, update or transfer your details
If you have already registered, you can confirm your details through the IEBC’s voter-verification channels. If you have moved, you can apply at the IEBC office for your area to transfer your polling station, or to correct and update your details.
Why this matters to you
No registration, no vote. Registering puts you on the roll for the specific ward, constituency and county whose leaders you help choose — and confirming your details avoids surprises on election day.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to register?
Your original Kenyan national ID card or a valid Kenyan passport — no other document is accepted.
Can I register with a photocopy or an ID waiting card?
No. Only the original ID or passport is accepted.
Where do I register?
At an IEBC constituency office, in the area where you want to vote.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 83 — klrc.go.ke
- Elections Act, 2011 — kenyalaw.org
- Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) — iebc.or.ke