Murang’a: 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, highlighted that the current figures fall far below expectations, with efforts underway to significantly expand the voter base ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to Kenya News Agency, before the 2022 general elections, Murang’a had registered 629,000 voters, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is targeting an increase to 797,990 voters by 2027. Ms Chirchir emphasized the importance of achieving this target, noting the potential negative impact on democratic participation if low registration rates continue.
The manager outlined that the continuous voter registration will be conducted in two phases, each targeting a 40 percent increase, supplemented by enhanced exercises aiming for an additional 10 percent. She expressed optimism that, with support from community leaders and other stakeholders, they would meet their target before the next general elections.
Ms Chirchir urged Murang’a residents, particularly youths who have recently acquired national Identity Cards, to register as voters. She stressed that young people are crucial in helping the County meet its registration objectives and revealed that the IEBC has intensified voter registration drives in universities and colleges to engage first-time voters.
Additionally, Ms Chirchir reminded residents that the ongoing exercise allows for updates such as changing polling stations or personal details for those who have relocated. ‘All that is required to register or update your details is a National Identity Card or a valid passport,’ she stated.
She called on community leaders, parents, and institutions to motivate eligible residents to participate in the exercise, underscoring that voter registration is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. The IEBC, she added, is committed to expanding voter registration across Murang’a County to ensure all eligible citizens are registered well ahead of the 2027 polls.
County Registrar of Persons, Ms. Juliet Mutitu, reported that her office holds thousands of uncollected National Identity Cards. She appealed to Chiefs and their Assistants to encourage recipients to collect their cards from registration offices or Huduma centres, as this would facilitate voter registration for those who are not yet registered. ‘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.
