The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is increasingly embracing social media as a key platform for civic and voter education, marking a shift from traditional outreach methods such as public barazas, printed materials and radio programs.
The move comes as the commission seeks to engage a generation of Kenyans who increasingly consume information through digital platforms.
In recent months, the commission has significantly expanded its online presence, updating its website, publishing short educational videos, Facebook Live broadcasts, infographics, reels and real-time updates explaining voter registration, transfers, electoral procedures and the commission’s constitutional mandate.
IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, who chairs the Commission’s Voter Education, Partnerships, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, said changing demographics required the commission to rethink how it communicates with Kenyans.
Dr Mukwana made the remarks during a national workshop on voter education and public outreach held in February this year.
“The current youth demographic is unlike any previous generation. They are deeply informed, digitally connected and politically alert. If we engage them correctly, they become our greatest asset. If we fail, they could become a powerful source of instability,” the Commissioner added.
That national strategy is now being replicated at the constituency level, with IEBC offices establishing their own digital platforms to bring voter education closer to residents and provide timely information tailored to local communities.
Kiambu Constituency is among the offices embracing the new approach after launching its official social media platforms to complement physical civic education forums.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency, IEBC Kiambu Constituency Lead madam Beatrice Muli said their aim is to provide residents with timely updates on voter registration, transfer of polling stations, replacement of lost voter cards and other electoral services, while offering a direct channel for responding to public enquiries.
The Kiambu Constituency office has established an online presence on Facebook, TikTok and Google Business Profile to improve access to electoral information and make it easier for residents to locate the constituency office and access services.
“Facebook is a widely used platform across all ages, while TikTok on the other hand appeals highly to the youth, majority of whom will be first-time voters next year. We do not want to leave out anyone in this journey. We want to see informed voters come 2027,” Muli explained.
She added that the office will publish weekly content explaining how residents can transfer their polling stations, update voter particulars, register as new voters and participate in community voter registration drives conducted in collaboration with national and county government agencies.
Although IEBC is yet to announce the second phase of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, Muli encouraged eligible residents not to wait for the mass registration drive.
“Voter registration is a continuous exercise. Residents can visit our constituency office in Kiambu Town during working hours to register as voters or access other electoral services,” she added.
by Rose Muthoni
