The rapid adoption of social media platforms and viral online campaigns has emerged as the primary driver behind the rising numbers of young people registering as voters across Rachuonyo South Sub-county in Homa Bay.
Through digital platforms such as TikTok, X, and Facebook groups, youth in Kosele and the wider Kasipul Constituency are now sensitizing one another on voter registration, tracking political promises and discussing them.
For 22-year-old, Irene Otieno, social media has been an eye-opener on the political state of the country.
“I used to think I was too young to be invested in politics, but seeing my peers be vocal about their political opinions online has encouraged me to do the same.
She said social media has taught her that we all need to participate in all democratic endeavour in order to have a say in what happens to us.
For others like Alan Obuya, viral hashtags like #Tukokadi, a nationwide, and citizen led mass voter registration campaign founded by civic activist encouraged their registration.
“I didn’t know how much the youth were participating in politics until #Tukokadi. Seeing everyone around me registering as voters encouraged me so much. It made me realize we as youth really have a voice,” he said.
This digital shift aligns with recent calls by electoral managers to close traditional registration gaps with leaders such as Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner, Francis Odhiambo, encourage the youth to register as voters.
Local youth in Kosele emphasize that social media has given them an independent platform to reject political manipulation. According to Phenus Ochieng’, social media has helped the youth be more informed.
“I believe that when we’re all educated on civic issues, we can’t be manipulated and used to spread violent agendas. On Tiktok there’s multiple educational videos of youths breaking down passed bills, explaining the budgets and informing everyone on concerning issues. It enables us to hold the government accountable,” he observed.
Mr. Godfrey Obiero, Kasipul Constituency IEBC official said voter registration is progressing well, with more people turning up daily, especially the youth.
“Voter registration is currently underway and we have already registered over 3,000 voters in Kasipul. More people are coming in every day, particularly the youth who are showing keen interest,” said the official.
He revealed that the Commission is working closely with the Office of the Registrar of Persons to address identification document challenges affecting potential voters in the area.
The Constituency currently has 143 polling stations, including Kosele Primary School and Sino SDA Church, among others.
Mr. Obiero urged residents who have not yet registered or those facing challenges with National Identity Cards, to visit the IEBC office or designated registration centres promptly.
“Our focus now is on ensuring as many eligible residents as possible register and update their details,” he said.
As the country gears up for the 2027 General Election, Mr. Geoffrey said the digital mobilization has become handy.
“The youth are using social media to educate themselves more and become more active in their civic duties,” he said, adding this could make a big difference in our democratic processes moving forward.”
By Stephen Awuor
