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Kirinyaga University students turned up in large numbers to register as voters during following the launch of the 30-day enhance voter enlisting drive by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The commission is targeting 40,800 new voters in Kirinyaga county.

“This is the time for young people to step forward and take part in shaping the country’s leadership,” Kirinyaga University student leader Claystone Barongo said.

The youth are increasingly embracing the exercise after the IEBC adopted a youth-friendly approach to voter registration to attract more students.

“The process has been made easier and more accessible to young people and that is why many are turning up,” Barongo observed.

For a long time, many young Kenyans have taken a back seat in electoral processes, leaving decision-making to older generations.

But that is changing as the youth are now ready to take responsibility by registering as voters and participating in the next general election.

“We cannot continue sitting back while others make decisions for us. We must be part of the process. We want to elect leaders who are visionary, accountable and focused on the needs of the people,” Barongo said.

Students also praised the “Niko Kadi” voter registration campaign, noting that it has played a key role in mobilising young people including those in remote areas who would otherwise have been left out.

Kirinyaga IEBC coordinator Jane Gitonga said the commission has intensified efforts to reach more eligible voters by taking registration services closer to the people.

“We have moved from our offices and brought services to the grassroots to ensure every eligible voter is reached,” she said.

Gitonga explained that the ongoing exercise is an enhanced continuous voter registration drive aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity, especially among young people and first-time voters.

“Today's exercise is an enhanced continuous voter registration. It is different from the continuous registration we have had before because its a more inclusive and effective exercise,” she said. The commission is targeting Gen Z youth who have recently turned 18, as well as millennials who have never registered.

Gitonga said voter registration is important for it gives citizens the power to influence governance.

“Being a registered voter means you have a say in how your country is governed and a seat at the decision-making table,” Gitonga said.

The commission has deployed registration kits across all 20 wards in Kirinyaga county to enhance access.

Gitonga said the deployment will ensure people can easily reach the registration centres.

She said the commission is committed to achieving its target and ensuring all eligible residents are registered as voters.

She also noted that, on average, each registration kit is expected to process at least 25 applicants per day, with IEBC personnel working closely with local administrators to ensure the success of the exercise.

She encouraged residents to contact local administrators or IEBC officials on the ground for assistance in locating registration centres, as the commission continues its push to ensure no eligible voter is left out.