Voter registration in Mombasa marred by weak network, slow biometric systems
What began as a smooth morning exercise quickly turned chaotic as the internet repeatedly disconnected, forcing officials to restart machines and queue applicants manually. Many residents waited for hours without being served.
Dozens of residents who arrived early at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) headquarters in Mombasa this week were left frustrated after poor network connectivity and slow biometric systems disrupted voter registration services.
What began as a smooth morning exercise quickly turned chaotic as the internet repeatedly disconnected, forcing officials to restart machines and queue applicants manually. Many residents waited for hours without being served.
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“I came as early as 7:00 am, hoping to register before work, but it is already past midday, and nothing has moved. Every time they start entering details, the system goes off. People are tired,” said Diana Mwende.
The breakdown has also taken a toll on older citizens.
Omar Abubakar, who had accompanied his elderly neighbour, Mama Zahara, said they were forced to wait for nearly two hours before the system finally processed her information.
“The machines kept freezing and shutting down. It is hard for the elderly to stand that long, yet they also want to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
Omar Abubakar. (Photo: Courtesy)
Others described the situation as a sign of poor preparation.
Peter Otieno, a youth from Jomvu, criticised the IEBC for not having reliable backup systems.
“How can registration depend on one weak network? This is Mombasa City, not a remote village. We deserve better service,” he said.
The delays have discouraged some residents, particularly students and casual workers who cannot afford to spend an entire day at the offices.
Fatma Said, a university student, said she missed lectures to queue. “This is the second time I have come here, and the same issue keeps happening. IEBC should fix this problem once and for all,” she said.
Residents are now urging the Commission to improve its infrastructure and deploy stronger internet connections to ensure a smooth registration process across the county.
According to IEBC’s latest update released on October 3 2025, Mombasa recorded 556 new registrations and 50 transfer requests in the first four days of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, the highest in the Coast region.
Nationally, 7,048 new voters have been registered, with 259 transfers and 8 changes of particulars recorded as of October 2.
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