By S, KNA
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expressed deep concern over the low turnout of young people in the ongoing voter registration exercise across Homa Bay County.
According to the County Returning Officer Fredrick Apopa, only 17 new voters had registered by Wednesday this week, a figure he described as worryingly low given the commission’s target of over 15,700 new registrations during this phase.
“Following its gazettement in August, this exercise was specifically designed to capture new voters, especially young people who have recently acquired national ID cards. But the turnout so far is extremely discouraging,” Apopa said.
Speaking to journalists outside his office, the officer explained that the target figure was informed by data from the 2019 census and the number of national identity cards issued to new applicants in the region.
The registration campaign, which was officially launched on September 29 is currently underway in constituency offices across Karachuonyo, Rangwe, Kabondo Kasipul, Suba North, Suba South, Ndhiwa, and Homa Bay Town.
Apopa urged youth aged 18 and above with IDs to seize the opportunity and register as voters, emphasizing that voter registration is the first step towards influencing leadership and policy in the 2027 general elections.
“Young people must realize that if they don’t register now, they are surrendering their right to choose leaders who will represent their interests,” he added.
Meanwhile, IEBC has confirmed that voter registration in Kasipul Constituency will be postponed until after the upcoming by-election scheduled for November 27.
“When a by-election is scheduled in a particular electoral area, voter registration is temporarily suspended until the process is complete,” Apopa clarified, adding that electoral law prohibits voter registration in an area where a by-election is scheduled to take place.
He called on the youth across the county to turn out in large numbers and take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
