Youths flock voter registration centres ahead of 2027 polls

Young people across Kenya have turned up in large numbers to register as voters in an exercise seen as a key step toward participation in the 2027 General Election.

At registration centres in several parts of the country, youths armed with their national identification cards queued patiently, while others rallied their peers to take part in the ongoing exercise.

Many of those registering said the process was critical in shaping the country’s future leadership, noting that voting remains one of the most effective ways to influence governance.

“Let us all register as voters so that we can change the government. We need change as a country,” said one youth at a registration centre.

The surge in turnout has been particularly notable in urban areas, including Nairobi and Mombasa, where mobilisation efforts appear to be gaining momentum.

According to Tuko Kadi convenor Ademba Allans, Tuesday’s exercise recorded the highest number of new registrations compared to previous days.

“Today we have registered the biggest number of new voters. Nairobi is leading, followed by Mombasa. Thank you for the support, Kenya,” he said in a statement shared on X.

The ongoing registration drive is expected to play a crucial role in expanding the voter base, particularly among first-time voters, as the country gears up for the next electoral cycle.

Ademba announced plans to host a series of “Buddies Hangout” events at IEBC offices across the country to boost youth voter registration.

He said the initiative is specifically targeting young people, who have been accused of not turning up to register as voters.

He said the campaign seeks to reframe the process as engaging, accessible and youth-friendly.

“I’m specifically talking to younger people because we’ve been accused of not registering as voters,” he said.

“This week, we are having a Buddies Hangout at IEBC offices. It’s simple, just come with your ID and register as a voter.”

According to Allans, the concept behind the “Buddies Hangout” is to transform what is traditionally viewed as a bureaucratic process into a social and interactive experience. The events will feature music, social media content creation and peer-driven mobilisation to attract young participants.

“We are going to have Bluetooth speakers, we are going to do TikToks because that’s how young people connect. We want to make voter registration something that feels natural and exciting, not forced,” he said.

“Kenya does not revolve around Nairobi. I want to see lines of young people registering in Turkana, Busia, Kisumu, and every other county. Wherever you are, come out and take part."

He dismissed claims that Gen Zs will abandon registration due to long queues.

Allans said young Kenyans have stepped in to support the event, bringing water and snacks to sustain attendees.

“We’ve seen it happen before. When young people show up, they make things work. That’s the same spirit we want to see this week,” he said.