Tinderet: The ongoing voter registration exercise in Tinderet Sub-County, Nandi County, is facing significant setbacks, with authorities raising concern over the low number of eligible residents enlisting ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Kenya News Agency, despite efforts by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to roll out the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) programme across the country, turnout in several parts of Tinderet remains below expectations, prompting urgent calls for intervention.
Local administrators attribute the sluggish response largely to the lack of national identity cards among newly eligible voters. Many youth who have attained the age of 18 are yet to acquire the crucial document required to register as voters, effectively locking them out of the democratic process.
In Songhor-Soba Ward, Chief Miriam Chebet noted that even among those who had applied for identity cards, delays in processing and collection have further slowed registration. ‘You will find that some youth applied months ago but have not collected their IDs, while others have not applied at all due to lack of awareness,’ she said, adding that intensified sensitisation is needed to address the gap.
Accessibility challenges are also hindering the exercise, particularly in remote areas where residents are required to travel long distances to reach registration centres. The cost of transport, coupled with economic hardship, has discouraged many from turning up. Kapchorwa Location elder Joseph Kiplagat said residents often have to make difficult choices between meeting daily needs and participating in the registration exercise. ‘Some of these centres are quite far. People have to choose between spending money on transport or meeting basic needs, and many opt to stay away,’ Kiplagat explained.
The situation is even more challenging for persons with disabilities and the elderly, who face mobility constraints and limited access to inclusive infrastructure at registration centres. In some areas, the lack of assistive services has further discouraged participation. Rose Jepkemboi, a resident with a physical disability in Chemelil-Chemase Ward, said the process has not adequately catered for persons with special needs. ‘Some of us cannot easily move long distances, and the centres are not always friendly to persons with disabilities. This discourages participation,’ she said, calling for more inclusive arrangements.
Youth apathy has also emerged as a significant factor contributing to the low turnout. Many young people expressed disinterest in the electoral process, citing economic struggles and a perception that voting does not immediately improve their livelihoods. Kevin Kiptoo, a boda boda rider in Tinderet, said survival has taken precedence over civic participation for many youths. ‘Right now, people are focused on survival. Voting feels like something that does not immediately change our situation, so many don’t see the urgency,’ he said.
Limited civic education has further compounded the problem, with some residents unaware of registration timelines, requirements, and the importance of early participation. Misinformation and complacency have slowed progress in several areas. Nandi County civic educator Alice Sang noted that many residents underestimate the importance of registering early. ‘Some people think there is still plenty of time, while others simply don’t understand the importance of registering early. We need more awareness campaigns to reach all communities,’ she said.
Concerns over trust in the electoral system have also played a role, with some residents expressing scepticism about whether their votes will make a difference in future elections. However, IEBC officials have assured the public that measures are being implemented to reverse the trend and ensure that all eligible voters are registered within the stipulated period. Nandi County IEBC Coordinator Peter Too said the commission has intensified grassroots outreach programmes aimed at bringing services closer to the people, especially in underserved areas. ‘We have decentralised registration services and are working closely with local administrators to ensure that every eligible resident has access to the exercise,’ Too said.
He added that collaboration with the civil registration department is ongoing to fast-track the issuance of identity cards to eligible applicants. ‘We are engaging relevant government agencies to ensure IDs are processed and delivered in good time so that no one is locked out of the voter registration process,’ he said.
Local leaders have also stepped-up mobilisation efforts, urging residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the ongoing exercise and secure their place in determining the country’s leadership. Tinderet Member of County Assembly Benard Kitur called on young people to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future through voter registration. ‘The power to decide leadership begins with registration. I urge our young people not to sit back but to take part in this important democratic process,’ Kitur said.
Authorities have further pledged to improve inclusivity by addressing accessibility challenges at registration centres, particularly for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and marginalized groups. Stakeholders warn that failure to address the existing barriers could significantly impact voter turnout in the 2027 General Election, especially in regions already experiencing low participation rates.
Youth leader Brian Cheruiyot emphasized the urgency of collective action, noting that all stakeholders must work together to boost registration numbers. ‘If we don’t act now, many eligible voters will miss the opportunity to participate in the next election. Everyone must play their part,’ Cheruiyot said.
With time running out, the success of the voter registration drive in Tinderet will depend on how fast and effectively these challenges are addressed and whether residents can be convinced that their voices matter in shaping the country’s democratic future.
