Kenya kicks off e-voter registration
IIEC clerks register voters at the start of the electronic voter registration exercise at the Aga-Khan hall in Kisumu April 12, 2010. Photo/JACOB OWITI
What you need to know:
- A special camera and thumb print reader will be required to carry out the registration.
A new system to register voters electronically that will be carried out by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) started Monday.
The ten-day electronic voter registration will take place in 18 selected Kenya constituencies and involves the capture of an individual's biometric features such as face recognition and fingerprint.
A special camera and thumb print reader will be required to carry out the registration, which will uniquely identify a person and thus eliminate cases of cheating.
The registration will cover over 1,400 registration centres and will target an estimated 1.8 million people. The EVR kits will use solar batteries in areas where there is no electricity.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga launched the EVR process at Old Kibera Primary School, which is in his Langata constituency on Monday.
"The coming of electronic voter system to our country is nothing less than a revolution," he said.
The PM commended the IIEC Chairman Issack Hassan, his team of Commissioners and staff for their role in reforming the electoral process in Kenya adding that the programme "will surely provide invaluable lessons that IIEC needs as it rebuilds the voter databank."
The 18 constituencies earmarked for the launch are: Langata, Kamukunji, Mvita, Malindi, Dujis, Wajir East, Isiolo South, Imenti Central, Mbooni, Nyeri Town, Kikuyu, Eldoret North, Nakuru Town, Ainamoi, Ikolomani, Webuye, Kisumu Town West and Bonchari.
