The ongoing voter registration exercise in Elgeyo Marakwet County is recording steady progress, though being slowed by lack of documentations among prospective registrants.
According to Keiyo North Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Officer Norbert Kemei, a cumulative total of 1,700 individuals have been successfully enrolled in the voter register since the exercise commenced.
The commission has projected a registration target of 5,617 eligible voters within the stipulated timeframe.
“Daily, we are registering an average of 200 applicants, which places us within an optimal performance trajectory. Based on current trends, we are likely to exceed our initial projection and potentially surpass the 6,000 mark,” Kemei stated.
Despite the positive registration metrics, Kemei identified lack of valid national identification documentations as primary operational bottleneck that affects the exercise’s efficiency.
“A significant proportion of individuals presenting themselves at registration centres do not possess national identification cards, which are a mandatory prerequisite for voter enrolment. This has resulted in procedural delays and in some instances, ineligibility at the point of service,” he explained.
He further advised affected individuals to regularise their identification status through the relevant civil registration offices before seeking voter registration services.
“We are urging all eligible citizens, particularly the youth demographic, to ensure compliance with documentation requirements by acquiring national IDs. Additionally, we encourage them to present themselves at designated IEBC registration centres for enrolment,” he added.
Members of the public who have undergone the process have lauded its procedural efficiency and accessibility.
Titus Kiptoo, a newly registered voter, described the exercise as seamless and user friendly.
“I presented myself for voter registration and found the process to be highly efficient and straightforward,” Kiptoo remarked. “I urge fellow youth to participate actively in this civic process, as voter registration is a fundamental constitutional right.”
Kiptoo underscored the critical role of voter participation in democratic governance, noting that electoral legitimacy is contingent upon citizen engagement.
“This is a critical window for citizens to influence leadership outcomes. Without adequate voter participation, the democratic process is significantly undermined,” he added.
By Rennish Okong’o
