Residents of Wajir County have been urged to actively participate in voter registration and upcoming elections to strengthen democratic governance and ensure inclusive representation.
Speaking during a community engagement forum in Wajir, nominated Member of the County Assembly and Women Representative aspirant Feiza Ahmed Sheikh said the meeting had successfully brought together women, youth, elders and various community groups to discuss key issues affecting them.
Feiza noted that the engagement had highlighted the need for continuous dialogue at the grassroots, especially among marginalised groups who often lack platforms to air their views.
“Today’s engagement has shown the importance of involving all members of the community. Many people do not have a platform to express themselves, and as a leader, I am committed to creating opportunities for such dialogue,” she said.
She added that the forum had influenced some residents who were previously undecided about voting to reconsider their position after understanding the importance of civic participation.
The MCA observed that low voter turnout, particularly among elders, often discourages younger generations from participating in elections.
“When elders lose interest in voting, it affects the youth who look up to them. This creates a ripple effect that undermines participation in the democratic process,” she noted.
Feiza called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to register as voters, emphasising that voting is a constitutional right and a key pillar of democracy.
“I urge all citizens across the country to register and vote. Sitting out of the electoral process is not an option because voting is your democratic right,” she said.
She further commended the national government for ongoing development initiatives in the North Eastern region, particularly road infrastructure projects linking Mandera to Madogashe, noting that such efforts demonstrate commitment to improving livelihoods.
At the same time, local residents who attended the forum lauded Feiza for spearheading civic education on the importance of voting, saying her efforts had helped them better understand the value of participating in elections.
They noted that many community members had previously been reluctant to vote due to past frustrations but were now reconsidering their stance following the sensitization.
The residents encouraged continued engagement to sustain awareness and promote informed decision-making ahead of future elections.
Jibril Mohamed, aspirant for Township Ward MCA, encouraged residents to support candidates who have demonstrated tangible development efforts.
He noted progress in infrastructure, including road construction from Mandera to Madogashi, and urged the community to recognise government initiatives under President William Ruto.
“We have never seen a government start building our roads from Mandera to Madogashe. We call on residents to support such initiatives and embrace leaders who educate the community and facilitate development,” said Mohamed.
Civil society activist Fatuma Yussuf highlighted that many residents in the county have not been fully aware of their voting rights, leading to low participation in previous elections.
“We came to discuss at length why it is important for every eligible citizen to have a voter’s card and participate in elections,” she said.
Fatuma called for continued civic education initiatives to sustain awareness and ensure that residents make informed decisions during elections. She stressed that such efforts contribute to inclusive governance.
Community leader Hassan Shurie noted that previous low voter turnout had affected resource distribution and hindered development in some areas.
Shurie urged residents to exercise their voting rights to ensure local needs are addressed.
By Hamdi Buthul
