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IEBC has defended the formula used to distribute the BVR kits for the ongoing mass voter registration exercise.

Today, the commission sent a press release to the media seeking to give clarification on concerns raised by sections of the public on the ongoing exercise.

The statement by IEBC's Communications & Corporate Affairs manager, Tabitha Mutemi clarified that the allocation of BVR machines was based on the lowest electoral unit

"The allocation was based on the lowest electoral unit, which is the County Assembly Ward (CAW), and the number of kits assigned according to size, taking into consideration ease of access to a BVR kit by potential voters,’’ she said.

While the commission considered population or number of IDs issued, it was decided that such criteria would have led to inequitable distribution of kits across the country.

The formula applied was, therefore, as follows:

• Wards with less than 30 sq. Km allocated 2 Kits

• Wards with between 31 sq. Km and 500 sq. Km allocated 4 Kits

• Wards with between 501 sq. Km and 5,000 sq. Km allocated 6 Kits

• Wards with above 5,000 sq. Km allocated 8 Kits.

The commission has also given assurance to the public that it shall respond promptly to specific challenges that are identified in the course of the registration exercise.