Why Chuka, Igambang’ombe constituency offices are closed until March 23, IEBC explains

IEBC Chair Ethekon Edung/X

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified why constituency offices in Chuka and Igambang’ombe, Tharaka Nithi County, will be temporarily closed from Thursday, March 19, 2026.

In a public notice, the commission stated that the offices were closed from March 19 to allow staff to carry out final preparations ahead of the Electronic Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) drive.

The offices will remain closed until Sunday and are scheduled to reopen on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 8:00 am.

“Residents of Tharaka Nithi are advised of the updated schedule for our constituency offices: closed from 19th March to 22nd March 2026 for final preparations for the ECVR Registration Drive," the notice read.

"Get ready to register! Your vote, your future."

The announcement followed widespread reactions on social media, where videos circulated showing dozens of young people expressing frustration over being unable to access voter registration services.

Many cited the unexpected closure as a disruption to their plans to register or update their details ahead of the national registration exercise.

To counter misinformation and reassure the public, the IEBC highlighted its communication efforts, including social media updates with hashtags ECVR 2026, YourVoteYourVoice, TalkWithIEBC, and StopFakeNews.

The update comes amid a Gen Z-led mass voter registration drive dubbed Tuko Kadi, which has recorded a strong start.

The initiative, spearheaded by photojournalist and activist Ademba Allans, brought together young people in a coordinated effort to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We’ve closed at 641 new registrations,” Ademba said after the exercise on Tuesday.

The drive forms part of a growing youth-led push to increase political participation, particularly among first-time voters who have historically shown lower turnout rates.

The Kasarani exercise reflects a broader national trend, where a new wave of political engagement is sweeping across Kenya, driven largely by Gen Z.

What started as a few social media posts has rapidly evolved into a viral civic movement, with young people documenting their voter registration and verification journeys online.

The trend, popularised on social media, has seen thousands of Kenyan youths share videos and photos confirming their voter status, often accompanied by the phrase “Tuko kadi” (we are registered).

The movement signals a significant shift from voter apathy to active participation, especially among digitally connected young citizens.

Many accompany their posts with the phrase “Voter found!”, a declaration that they are officially registered and ready to take part in shaping the country’s leadership.