IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) portal lets you verify your voter registration status and polling station online. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.
What is IEBC Portal?
IEBC portal is the official website for voter services in Kenya. Check if you’re registered to vote. Find out your polling station location. Verify your registration details are correct. Register as a new voter when registration opens. Update your voter information. All services available online without visiting physical offices.
Why Verify Your Registration?
Confirm you’re actually registered to vote. Find where you’ll vote on election day. Check your details are correct. Ensure you haven’t been removed from register. Verify your registration wasn’t fraudulently done. Know your voter registration number. Check your polling station location in advance.
What You Need
National ID or passport number. Internet connection. Device—phone, computer, or tablet. No other documents needed for simple verification.
Example: Verification is completely free and takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 1: Visit IEBC Website
Open your web browser. Type www.iebc.or.ke in the address bar. Press Enter to load the website. Wait for IEBC homepage to appear. You’ll see the official electoral commission website.
Example: Make sure URL shows “iebc.or.ke”—this is the only official IEBC website.
Step 2: Find Voter Verification Link
On the homepage, look for navigation menu. Find “Verify Voter Registration” link. It might also say “Check Registration Status”. Or look for “Voter Portal” or “Voter Services”. Click on the verification link.
Example: The link is usually on the main menu or in a prominent button on homepage.
Step 3: Enter Your ID Number
You’ll see a verification page with a search box. Enter your national ID number. Type numbers only, no spaces or dashes. Double-check you’ve entered it correctly. If using passport, there might be separate field.
Example: If your ID is 12345678, enter 12345678.
Step 4: Complete Security Check
You’ll see a CAPTCHA security check. Might show letters and numbers to type. Or a checkbox saying “I’m not a robot”. Complete the security check as shown. This proves you’re human, not a bot.
Example: If you see “7GH4K”, type exactly that in the verification box.
Step 5: Click Search or Submit
After entering ID and completing CAPTCHA, find “Search” button. Click it once. Wait a few seconds for system to search. Don’t click multiple times. System checks the voter register database.
Example: You might see “Searching…” or loading animation—be patient.
Step 6: View Your Registration Details
If you’re registered, your details appear on screen. Information shown includes: Your full name as registered. National ID number. Voter registration number (serial number). County where you’re registered. Constituency. Ward. Polling station name and code.
Example:
- Name: JOHN KAMAU MWANGI
- ID: 12345678
- Serial Number: 12345678901
- County: NAIROBI
- Constituency: WESTLANDS
- Ward: KILIMANI
- Polling Station: KILIMANI PRIMARY SCHOOL
Step 7: Note Your Polling Station
Pay special attention to your polling station. This is where you’ll vote on election day. Note the exact name and location. You cannot vote at any other station. Write it down or take a screenshot. Check the polling station code too.
Example: Polling Station: KILIMANI PRIMARY SCHOOL (Code: 12345)
Step 8: Verify Details Are Correct
Check that the name matches your ID. Confirm the county and constituency are right. Verify this is where you live or want to vote. If details are wrong, you need to update them. If everything is correct, you’re set for voting.
Example: If name is misspelled or location is wrong, note what needs correction.
If Not Registered
If system says “No record found”, you’re not registered. You need to register during next registration period. IEBC announces voter registration dates. Usually 1-2 months before elections. Can register at any registration center or online when open.
Example: Message might say: “No voter record found for ID 12345678. Please register when registration opens.”
How to Register as New Voter
Wait for IEBC to announce registration period. Visit IEBC website when registration opens. Click “Register as Voter”. Fill online registration form with: Personal details, residential address. Choose polling station. Upload ID photo. Submit application. Or visit physical registration center with your ID.
Example: Registration is usually open for 2-4 weeks at announced times.
How to Transfer Your Registration
If you moved to a new area, transfer your registration. Log onto IEBC portal during transfer period. Find “Transfer Voter Registration” option. Enter your current details. Select new county, constituency, and ward. Choose new polling station. Submit transfer request. Or visit any registration center with ID.
Example: If you moved from Nairobi to Kisumu, transfer to vote in Kisumu.
How to Update Voter Details
If name or other details are wrong, request correction. Visit IEBC voter services during correction period. Or visit any IEBC office with your ID. Provide supporting documents for corrections. Marriage certificate if name changed. Updated ID if you got new one.
Example: If you changed name after marriage, bring marriage certificate to prove it.
Understanding Your Voter Serial Number
Each registered voter has unique serial number. Usually 11-14 digits long. This number identifies you in voter register. Different from your national ID number. You might need it for some voting services. Shows on voter slip on election day.
Example: Serial Number: 12345678901
Finding Your Polling Station Location
Note the polling station name from verification. Search online for directions to that location. Google Maps often shows polling station locations. Ask neighbors who voted before for directions. Visit the area before election day to locate it. IEBC website might have polling station maps.
Example: Search “Kilimani Primary School Nairobi” on Google Maps for directions.
What to Do on Election Day
Wake up early to avoid queues. Bring your original national ID. Go to your assigned polling station only. Join the correct queue at your station. Present your ID to officials. They verify you’re registered there. You’ll receive ballot papers. Vote following instructions. Dip your finger in ink after voting.
Example: Polls usually open 6:00 AM and close 5:00 PM. Arrive early.
If You Can’t Find Your Polling Station
First, verify your registration online again. Note the exact polling station name and code. Call IEBC hotline for help: 0709-107-000. Visit nearest IEBC office for assistance. Check IEBC website for polling station maps. Ask local leaders or neighbors familiar with the area.
Example: Sometimes polling stations have similar names—confirm the code too.
Special Registration for Certain Groups
Kenyans in diaspora: Special registration for external voting. Persons with disabilities: Special provisions at polling stations. Inmates in prisons: Can register and vote from prison. Hospital patients: Special ballots can be arranged. Police and military: Register at special registration centers.
Example: If abroad, check IEBC website for diaspora voter registration.
Common Problems and Solutions
“Not registered” but you registered before: Your registration might have expired or been removed. Re-register during next registration period. Contact IEBC to investigate the issue.
Wrong polling station assigned: If it’s too far, apply for transfer. Must do this during official transfer period. Can’t change on election day.
Name misspelled: Visit IEBC office with ID to correct. Do this well before elections. Corrections require supporting documents.
Website not working: Try different browser (Chrome, Firefox). Clear browser cache. Try during off-peak hours. Call IEBC helpline for assistance.
Lost national ID: Apply for replacement ID first. Can’t vote without valid ID. Use temporary ID if elections are near.
Important Dates to Remember
Voter registration periods: Announced by IEBC. Transfer periods: Usually before major elections. Update/correction periods: Limited windows available. Election dates: Announced well in advance. Early voting for special groups: 1-2 days before general voting.
Example: Kenya general elections happen every 5 years, usually in August.
Requirements for Voting
Must be Kenyan citizen. Must be 18 years or older. Must be registered voter. Must have valid national ID or passport. Must vote at your assigned polling station. Must vote in person (except special cases).
Example: If you turn 18 before election day, register as soon as you get your ID.
Checking Family Members
You can verify registration for family members. Use their ID numbers on IEBC portal. Helps ensure whole family is registered. Especially useful for elderly relatives. Confirm everyone knows their polling stations.
Example: Check your parents’ registration if they’re not tech-savvy.
IEBC Mobile App
IEBC might have mobile app for easier access. Check Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Search “IEBC Kenya” or “IEBC Voter Portal”. Download official app only—check publisher is IEBC. Use app to verify registration on the go. Get notifications for registration periods and elections.
Example: Mobile app is convenient for quick checks during busy schedules.
Voter Education
IEBC provides voter education materials. Learn how to vote correctly. Understand different ballot papers. Know your rights as a voter. Learn about election process. Videos and guides available on website. Attend civic education sessions in your area.
Example: First-time voters should watch tutorials on how to mark ballot papers.
Contact IEBC for Help
If you have any issues, contact IEBC. Call Center: 0709-107-000 or 0732-142-000. Email: info@iebc.or.ke. Visit IEBC headquarters: Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi. County IEBC offices in all 47 counties. Social media: IEBC Kenya on Twitter and Facebook. Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Your Rights as a Voter
Right to register and vote if eligible. Right to vote in secret. Right to vote without intimidation. Right to electoral information. Right to complain about electoral process. Right to be assisted if disabled. Right to observe the voting process.
Your Responsibilities
Register during official registration periods. Verify your details are correct. Keep your ID safe. Vote only once at your designated station. Vote peacefully and orderly. Don’t campaign at polling station. Accept election results or follow legal dispute channels.
Important Tips
Verify your registration months before elections. Register immediately when registration opens. Know your polling station location in advance. Keep your national ID safe and accessible. Check if family members are registered. Update registration if you move to new area. Report any suspicious voter registration activity. Arrive early at polling station on election day. Bring only your ID—leave bags and phones at home if required.
Election Day Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Arrive early
- Bring valid ID
- Follow instructions from officials
- Vote peacefully
- Respect others’ choices
- Wait for results patiently
Don’t:
- Campaign at polling station
- Carry phones into voting booth (if prohibited)
- Intimidate other voters
- Take photos of your ballot
- Discuss your vote loudly
- Disturb the voting process
Verifying your voter registration is a crucial step in participating in Kenya’s democracy. By checking early, you ensure you can exercise your constitutional right to vote when elections come. Register if you’re not, update if you moved, and always vote for the leaders you believe will serve Kenya best.