IEBC Urges Kenyans In Diaspora To Get Registered

NAIROBI,Kenya, Feb, 1 – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fast approaching the deadline to conclude the second phase of the Enhanced Continious Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise ahead of the February 6,2022 deadline.

Kenyans living in the diaspora however, have been urged to get registered before the close of business Friday on February, 4,2022.

The mass over registration in the diaspora has been ongoing in: the United States of America, United Kingdom,Qatar, Germany, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burindi and South Sudan.

Following the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions last week in the U.A.E and Canada, the ECVR continued in earnest.

The commission will however extend registration in Canada and U.A.E by the number of days lost to ensure Kenyans residing in the country are accorded the 15 days to register as voters.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati Monday appealed to Kenyans who have not registered as voters to use the remaining one week to do so during a tour of Garissa county.

Chebukati said that so far the commission has registered over 500,000 Kenyans countrywide, an improvement from last week where the numbers miniscule. He however admitted that they might not meet their targets.

“we are very far away from the national targeted. Lets cross the bridge when we reach there,but I know it is an uphill task…but it is not too late we still have one week. If Kenyans come all we shall be able to serve them so let us be hopeful,” he said. further stating that, “Mine is to appeal to Kenyans all over to please take advantage of this last week and register so that you can be able to elect leaders of your choice,” said Chebukati.

He ruled out any extension noting that it will be the final phase in preparation for the general elections.

Some of the reasons that were cited for voter registration apathy were lack of ID cards especially among the youth, lack of enough sensitization and drought. The later was said to be the main reason.

However, Chebukati said that with the government having issued out ID cards recently, the youth who are yet to register should come out and register.