The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called on young people across Kenya to actively participate in the country’s electoral process, emphasizing both their right and responsibility as citizens.
Speaking after a stakeholder engagement forum in Homa Bay County, IEBC commissioner Francis Odhiambo Aduol underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
He noted that young people make up nearly 57 percent of Kenya’s voting population, making them the largest and most influential voting bloc.
“It is important for youths to come out, register as voters, and take part in elections. They cannot continue voicing their expectations for change in their wards, constituencies, and the country at large without participating in the voting process,” Aduol said.
The meeting in Homa Bay was held under the framework of the IEBC’s enhanced continuous voter registration exercise. According to Aduol, the commission is engaging various stakeholders to assess the progress of the registration drive and gather feedback from the public.
“The main purpose of this meeting was to listen to their perspectives on the ongoing voter registration process and evaluate how it is progressing on the ground,” he explained.
Aduol acknowledged that voter registration in Homa Bay started slowly but has since gained momentum.
He expressed optimism that the county will meet its targets by the end of the exercise, in line with trends being observed in other regions across the country.
“We are now seeing improved turnout, and we are confident that by the conclusion of this exercise, a significant number of eligible voters will have registered,” he said.
The IEBC has set a national target of registering 6.5 million new voters ahead of the 2027 general election through enhanced continuous voter registration initiative. A substantial portion of this figure is expected to come from first-time youth voters.
The enhanced continuous voter registration initiative was introduced last month to accelerate the process.
Aduol reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusive participation and urged young people to not only register but also turn out in large numbers on election day in August next year
“Youths must take the opportunity to express themselves through the ballot and determine how they want the country to be governed,” he said.
By Sitna Omar
