IEBC rallies youth to register as voters ahead of 2027 polls

Observers say the youth vote could become a decisive factor in the coming polls. Their participation could therefore shape the agenda of political campaigns in the run-up to the election.

With the next election expected in 2027, the commission says expanding the register will be one of its key priorities.

The IEBC recorded more than 22 million registered voters during the last election cycle. However, millions of eligible young voters were still not captured in the register.

Their impact was most visible during the nationwide protests demanding greater transparency and accountability from government institutions.

Since the Gen Z demos in June 2024, young people have emerged as a powerful force in national discourse, particularly on governance, accountability and economic opportunities.

The call comes amid growing recognition of the political influence of Kenya’s Gen Z.

Speaking in Kirinyaga county during a youth engagement forum aimed at strengthening collaboration between the commission and young voters last week, acting CEO Moses Sunkuli said young people are key stakeholders in the electoral process.

IEBC representatives at the forum encouraged young people to take advantage of the voter registration drives and ensure their voices are counted.

The commission says expanding the voter roll is critical. It is targeting 6.3 million new voters to ensure broader participation in the country’s democratic process.

Kenya’s population is largely youthful, with more than half of eligible voters falling within the youth bracket. Yet a significant number remain unregistered.

Commissioner Francis Aduol said "you are the majority in the voting age, register and determine how you want your country to be run"

“As the vice chairperson, and also a young person, I want to encourage my fellow youth to actively participate in their democratic rights but to do so in a peaceful, responsible, and sustainable way,” Abdallah said.

Fahima Abdallah, the IEBC vice chairperson, said they are taking the opportunity at the People’s Dialogue Festival to engage with young people.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officials used the forum to remind the youth that their numbers and growing political influence could shape the outcome of the next election.

The appeal was made during the People’s Dialogue Forum where the commission engaged young people on the importance of voter registration and participation in democratic processes.

The electoral commission has intensified efforts to involve more young people in the electoral process, urging them to register as voters before the 2027 general election.