Mombasa: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to roll out an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise after the upcoming by-elections, with the goal of registering at least 6.8 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ECVR initiative follows the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, which has registered only 90,020 voters in its third week, well below the 6.8 million target. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon highlighted the enthusiasm among the youth eager to participate in democratic processes but acknowledged the registration numbers remain unsatisfactory.
During a youth sensitisation forum in Mombasa organised by Amnesty International, Ethekon shared that the city had registered just 3,976 new voters. The Commission aims to enlist 183,000 additional voters across Mombasa’s six constituencies, intending to increase the total registered voters in the county to 825,000 by 2027. Ethekon outlined specific targets for each constituency, aiming to significantly boost voter numbers.
The Chairman identified limited access as a key reason for the low registration figures, as the exercise currently occurs at the Commission’s constituency offices, limiting reach to eligible youth in remote areas. Ethekon announced plans for mass voter registration, termed Enhanced Voter Registration, after the by-elections, which will relocate registration centres to local neighborhoods to improve accessibility.
Ethekon emphasized the importance of making the process accessible and encouraging youth participation. He also mentioned that IEBC would collaborate with the National Registration Bureau to expedite the issuance of national ID cards to eligible citizens.
In addition to ECVR, IEBC plans to implement intensive voter education campaigns and seeks collaboration with civil society groups, media, and social media influencers to mobilize the youth. Ethekon called on Kenyans to support efforts in ensuring a free and credible election while reassuring the public of the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding against electoral malpractice with robust systems in place.
Ethekon urged politicians and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified claims that could hinder voter participation and advised media to focus on citizens’ concerns. He highlighted the voter turnout drop from 78.9 per cent in 2017 to 64 per cent in 2022, attributing it to youth apathy, and stressed the need for educating citizens on participating responsibly in democratic processes.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein noted the concern over low registration turnout, urging youth to translate their activism into action through voting. Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid pledged collaboration with IEBC to mobilize youth, who represent about 56 per cent of eligible voters, emphasizing their potential to influence electoral outcomes. Khalid encouraged youth to use their voter’s card to effect change through the ballot.
