Youth have been urged to take a leading role in electoral governance by participating in voter registration, political processes and democratic reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The call was made during the People Dialogue Festival held at Kitale National Polytechnic, organised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in partnership with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy–Kenya (CMD-Kenya). The forum aimed at promoting accountability, peaceful elections and increased democratic participation among young people.
IEBC Commissioner Dr Alfred Alutalala Mukhwana said the Commission is targeting youth because they form the largest voting bloc and have the potential to shape Kenya’s leadership through informed participation.
“As a Commission, we are targeting the youth to encourage them to become responsible citizens and actively participate in electoral processes because they are a significant population in the democratic process,” said Mukhwana.
He urged young people not to boycott elections due to frustration, noting that failure to vote denies them an opportunity to influence leadership and development priorities.
Mukhwana also condemned the recruitment of youth into election violence, warning that those involved risk facing legal consequences.
“The biggest challenge we have today is goonism. Leaders should stop inciting young people to commit acts of violence for political interests, while the youth should refuse to be used as tools to undermine peaceful elections and good governance,” he said.
He further encouraged youth to seek elective positions, participate in party nominations and register as voters. He added that the Commission is establishing a youth communication hub to enhance civic engagement through platforms tailored to young people.
CMD-Kenya Executive Director Frankline Mukwanja said the dialogue forums are meant to equip young people with knowledge to make informed choices and hold leaders accountable.
Mukwanja noted that youth have the numbers and influence to elect leaders who address their challenges, urging those not yet registered to do so when voter registration begins. He also called on them to uphold peace and reject election-related violence.
Youth leaders at the forum challenged their peers to unite and use their votes to influence change in 2027 instead of being manipulated by political actors.
By Winnie Jelagat and Sandra Omondi
