Murang’a County Elections Manager, Saumu Chirchir, has expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing continuous voter registration, revealing that only 5,795 new voters have been registered since the exercise kicked off in September this year.
Ms Chirchir, speaking during an event held in Murang’a town on Saturday, revealed that the current figures fall far below expectations, noting that the relevant stakeholders are working towards significantly expanding the county’s voter base ahead of the 2027 general election.
Before 2022 general elections, Murang’a had registered 629,000, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is targeting to increase the number to 797,990 voters by 2027.
“Our target is to substantially grow the voter register, but the turnout so far has been quite low,” Chirchir said, adding that the slow response could negatively impact democratic participation if not addressed in good time.
The manager said the continuous voter registration will be done in two Phases where in both Phases they are targeting each 40 percent adding that they will also have enhanced voter registration exercises with a target of 10 percent.
“With efforts from community leaders among other stakeholders we are optimistic we will hit our target before the 2027 general elections,” Ms Chirchir observed.
She urged Murang’a residents, particularly youths who have recently acquired national Identity Cards, to turn-out in large numbers and register as voters.
According to Ms. Chirchir, young people remain a critical group in helping the County meet its registration targets.
To enhance outreach, she said the IEBC has intensified voter registration drives in universities and colleges, a move aimed at capturing first-time voters and increasing youth participation in the electoral process.
Ms. Chirchir further reminded residents that the ongoing exercise also allows voters to change their polling stations or update personal details, including transfers for those who may have relocated since the last registration.
“All that is required to register or update your details is a National Identity Card or a valid passport,” she said.
She called on community leaders, parents, and institutions to encourage eligible residents to participate in the exercise, emphasizing that voter registration is a key pillar of democratic governance.
The IEBC, Chirchir added, remains committed to expanding voter registration across Murang’a County, to ensure all eligible citizens are registered well ahead of the 2027 polls.
The County Registrar of Persons, Ms. Juliet Mutitu, said her office is holding thousands of uncollected National Identity Cards.
Ms. Mutitu called on Chiefs and their Assistants to help in encouraging those who are yet to collect their applied National Identity Cards, to pick them from registration offices or Huduma centres, where they made their applications.
“There are more than 16, 400 Identity Cards which are yet to be collected. I call upon the owners to pick them. This will also help them register as voters for those who are not registered.” She appealed.
By Bernard Munyao
