Nairobi, Kenya — February 16, 2026 — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reaffirmed the legality and necessity of its collaboration with key state agencies in the management and verification of Kenya’s register of voters, following concerns raised by the Democratic Party (DP).
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said it was troubled by recent public remarks questioning its engagement with the National Registration Bureau in relation to voter registration data and identity verification processes.
IEBC cited Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya and Sections 4 and 6 of the Elections Act, 2011, which mandate the Commission to register voters, maintain an accurate and up-to-date register, and safeguard the integrity of electoral data. The Commission further referenced Article 249(2)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of constitutional commissions and shields them from external direction or control.
The Commission stated that, in executing its constitutional mandate, it is required to work with public institutions that are lawful custodians of relevant citizen data.
“As part of ensuring the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the register of voters, the Commission collaborates with relevant government agencies within the framework of the law,” the statement said.
IEBC outlined specific areas of cooperation with agencies under the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. These include the National Registration Bureau, which verifies national identity card details and citizenship eligibility during voter registration; the Civil Registration Services, which provides death records to facilitate the lawful removal of deceased persons from the voter register; and the Directorate of Immigration Services, which verifies passport details.
The Commission noted that Kenyan passports are among the statutory identification documents permitted for voter registration under Regulation 13 of the Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2012, and are also applicable for the registration of Kenyan citizens residing abroad under Regulation 34.
IEBC maintained that such collaboration does not compromise its independence but instead strengthens electoral integrity by ensuring that voter registration is accurate, inclusive and compliant with the law.
The clarification comes amid growing political scrutiny over electoral processes and data management as preparations for future elections continue.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional principles, maintaining institutional independence and delivering credible electoral processes.
