Kenyans woke up so early on August 9 heading to polling stations to vote their new President and other leaders in a critical vote that will see incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta relinquish power after 10 years in office.

About 22.1 million Kenyans have registered to vote, according to the country's electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), said.

Polls opened at 6am Kenyan time and are expected to close at 5pm to pave way for vote count. 

According to Kenyan media, voters across the country began queuing as early as 2am in some locations.

In Kigali, Kenyans living in Rwanda also headed to their High Commission in the early hours to vote before they proceeded to work.

Tuesday's presidential election is widely seen as a two-horse race between current Deputy President William Ruto and veteran opposition leader and former prime minister Raila Odinga.

Ruto was among the Kenyans who cast their ballots as early as 6am in his place of birth in the Rift Valley area, at Kosachei Primary School in Turbo Constituency.

"Everybody here wants a peaceful process. Our prayer before voting was about having a peaceful election. I am also delighted that this historic election will usher a new era for the country. I want to urge for a peaceful process,” Ruto told the press.

The same was later emphasized by President Kenyatta after casting his ballot in Kiambu County, Gatundu South Constituency where he was once a legislator.

"The voting process is smooth, I wasn't in too long and I just hope continues like that throughout the day,' said Kenyatta.

Raila Odinga cast his vote at in Nairobi at Old Kibra Primary School at around 10.30am Kenya time.

Right after casting his ballot, Odinga told journalists that, "We have done our best in terms of campaign and the ball is the people’s courts and I believe they are going to speak well in favour of the democratic change." 

KENYAN POLLS IN NUMBERS