Voter verification kicks off to a slow start

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has opened the voters register for biometric voter verification until June 9, 2017.

The exercise, which kicked off today (Thursday, May 11), was characterised by low numbers of Kenyans visiting the polling stations to verify their details ahead of the August 8, 2017 general Election.

A similar exercise for Kenyans in the Diaspora that is; Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa  will take place on May 15 – 30, 2017.

Speaking to the media at the IEBC head offices on Wednesday, May 10, IEBC chairman, Wafula Chebukati, announced that 10,000 gadgets have already been distributed countrywide for the exercise which will run parallel with the ongoing audit of the voters register by audit firm, KPMG.

“The purpose of the two parallel processes is to give the Commission every opportunity to improve the accuracy of the Register of Voters.”

While urging Kenyans to verify their particulars, Chebukati indicated that voters will have to verify their details in any polling station within the ward where they intend to vote.

The commission was keen to note that upon expiry of the 30 days of verification as provided for by the law, the commission will then revise the voter register to allow them to take into account any changes in particulars that will arise during the verification process.

“The Commission will, therefore, be in a position to address issues of deceased voters, incorrect data capture and any missing details, disputed voters in the register either on the basis of age or any other issues that the audit may find and then prepare the final register,” he added.

The poll body also announced that the SMS short code and online confirmation of registration status will be introduced later towards the August 8 polls.

The electoral body also added that the Commission has gazetted 290 staff to serve as Constituency Returning Officers and 47 County Returning Officers and will serve in any part of the country with high levels of integrity.

Chebukati also announced that Presidential candidates should submit nomination papers on May 28 – 29 when the official campaign period for the presidential race will kick off.

“The Commission shall, thereafter, in line with Article 88 (4) (f) of the Constitution, register qualified candidates for election and indicate those disqualified,” said Chebukati.