The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has established a voter registration centre at Chuka University following a student protest over inaccessibility of services at the Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency offices during the ongoing Tuko Kadi mobilisation drive.
The protest erupted after large numbers of students flocked to the IEBC constituency offices but were not attended to, triggering frustration and calls for immediate intervention.
Tharaka-Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga explained that IEBC officials had been undergoing training following a recent recruitment exercise aimed at strengthening voter registration at constituency and ward levels across the country. He, however, assured students that the situation would be addressed promptly.
In response, IEBC moved quickly to deploy registration services within Chuka University to improve access for students.
Mariam Njagi from the Dean of Students’ office welcomed the intervention, commending the commission for responding to students’ concerns in a timely manner. She noted that registration has been ongoing on campus since Monday, with turnout reported to be high.
Njagi added that IEBC has committed to remain at the university for one month to allow more students to register. She urged students to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that voter registration is a democratic right.
Chuka University Students’ Secretary General Emanuel Imani also expressed satisfaction with the swift response, calling on the institution’s estimated 26,000 students to register and participate in elections.
He challenged the perception that Gen Z voters do not turn out in large numbers, expressing confidence that students will defy the trend and actively take part in the electoral process.
Student leader Edwin Mugambi lauded IEBC’s prompt action, noting that the establishment of an on-campus registration centre has significantly improved accessibility for students.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
