MOMBASA, Kenya, November 6, 2025—The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged young Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, even as concerns persist over low voter registration and public mistrust in electoral processes.
IEBC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Marjan Hussein Marjan said the Commission is committed to enhancing voter education and ensuring smooth voter registration across the country.
He called on the youth to take charge of their civic responsibility by registering and participating in elections.
“Youth should stop fighting and protesting against bad governance but instead remove any irresponsible government through the ballot. They have the power to make meaningful changes in the country and should not lose the chance to elect responsible leaders.” Marjan said.
Marjan further noted that the Commission will work with relevant government agencies to address challenges in the issuance of national identity cards, a major obstacle to voter registration, especially in the Coast and North Eastern regions.
In Kisauni, residents have raised concerns about the location of IEBC offices, saying they are too far from residential areas, making it difficult for many young people to register.
Tom Kazungu, a resident, said decentralising the offices could make the process more accessible.
“Each constituency has only one IEBC office, which discourages youth from registering,” he said.
Artists and youth activists have also joined calls for greater awareness and reforms to rebuild trust in elections.
Lense Ogoba, a Mombasa-based artist, said youth have lost interest because of repeated claims of rigged elections and failed leadership.
“Politicians keep saying elections will be rigged, so youth see no need to vote,” he said.
“Leaders have failed to solve basic problems like water shortages and health services. More awareness is needed to help youth understand their power.”
In Kisauni’s Manoni area, youth activist Asha Mwamrezi has launched a grassroots initiative known as Gumzo Maskani to encourage young people to register.
She called on IEBC and other stakeholders to strengthen civic education efforts at the community level.
“Many youth lack knowledge on the importance of voter registration. Stakeholders like IEBC and NGOs should intensify awareness at the grassroots,” she said.
From Bombolulu, Tracy Mwasela said acquiring an ID remains a challenge for many young people.
“Without IDs, they can’t register, and it’s a big challenge in the Coast region,” she noted.
Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid said civil society organisations have already begun campaigns to tackle voter apathy and promote participation among young voters.
“Kenyan youth aged 18 to 35 make up about 56 percent of the electorate and have the power to shape the country’s leadership through the ballot,” he said.
“A voter’s card is the silver bullet for change — youth must realise their votes can make a difference.”
As the Commission prepares for the upcoming November 27 by-election and the 2027 polls, IEBC has reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, emphasizing that restoring faith in the process begins with active voter participation.
