How Kenyans Registered; Kisumu Central Tops List Of New Voters.

Official statistics released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on the Mass Voter Registration (MVR) Phase I, which started on February 15, 2016 and ended on March 15 indicate that total of 1,428,056 new voters were listed countrywide. This translates to 34% performance of their four million target nationally.

Rift Valley recorded the highest number listed regionally with 285,000 (36% turnout) new voters followed by Nyanza with 260,637 (42%).

Eastern, Central and Western recorded 240,563 (36%), 192,093 (43%) and 164,205 new voters respectively. Nairobi and North Eastern recorded 134,670 (25%) and 21,428 (36%) new voters respectively.

Western and Coast had a performance rate of 31% and 27% with 164,205 and 129,157 new voters, respectively.

According to the statistics, only seven counties managed to get 50% and above of their set targets: These were Kajiado with 27,884 new voters (154%), Marsabit (66 %), Tana River (61%), Narok (57%), Migori (53%) Kiambu (52%) and Siaya (51%).

The worst performers as per the IEBC’s set targets were Vihiga (17%), Kilifi (21%), Embu (21%), Taita Taveta (22%) and Elgeyo Marakwet (23%).

However, despite failing to meet their set targets, Nairobi (134,670), Kiambu (82,754), Nakuru (66,507), and Kisumu (59,616) counties had the highest number of applications.

Kisumu Central Constituency tops the listing with 12,970 new voters, followed by Kisauni (11,751), Bondo (11,195), Naivasha (10,575), Thika Town (10,448), Ruiru (10,339), Mathare (10,235) and Kitui South (10,215).

It also emerged that a total of 493,169 old voters transferred to new stations with overall. Most of these voter transfers were recorded in Nairobi and movements were largely from Kiambu County, with registration mainly focused in Mathare Constituency.

Nairobi County listed the highest number of new voters. Counties near Nairobi also registered higher than their targets. Kajiado County, for instance, had a target of 18,092 but ended up registering 27,884.

With the new drive, the Kenyan voters’ register will now have 15,816,837 names after adding the 1,428,056 new ones.