Read Also

Abdi Farah, a youth leader from Garissa /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Leaders in Garissa have raised concerns over logistical challenges they say could undermine the ongoing voter registration exercise, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to act swiftly.

The nationwide 30-day enhanced voter registration drive, which began on March 30, will run until April 28.

It is aimed at increasing voter enrolment ahead of next year's general election. However, turnout in Garissa county remains relatively low compared with other parts of the country.

The leaders, led by Garissa Township parliamentary aspirant Abdullahi Gabane, pointed to a shortage of voter registration clerks and kits as a key obstacle. They spoke to the press at the IEBC offices in Garissa Township after a meeting with electoral officials.

“I want to call on the IEBC to avail more voter clerks not only within Garissa Township but across the entire county. We also want to see more kits deployed. Without this, I am sorry to say we might not capture everyone out there,” Gabane said.

He also called for a more co-ordinated effort between the IEBC, political leaders and the community, stressing that the responsibility of increasing voter turnout should not rest solely on the commission.

“I want to urge my fellow politicians to take an active role in mobilising residents, particularly those with national identity cards who have yet to register as voters,” he said.

Gabane appealed to residents to take the exercise seriously and turn out in large numbers.

“This is an exercise we should all take very seriously because increased participation will strengthen our county’s voice in national affairs,” he said.

Gabane's sentiments were echoed by other local leaders, including Waberi ward aspirant Mohamud Subow, who warned the current situation risks locking out many eligible voters.

“As it stands, the turnout is still low since the clerks deployed to enlist new voters are very few, yet the county is vast. We don’t want a situation where hundreds are locked out of the registration exercise, not because they don’t want to register, but because the commission is unable to reach them,” Subow said.

Youth leader Abdi Farah called for intensified civic awareness campaigns, urging politicians and community leaders to work together to encourage mass registration.

“We are encouraging leaders vying for various seats to engage the public and motivate them to come out in large numbers. Voter registration numbers are key to our region’s future development and representation,” he said.

The leaders also cited delays in the issuance of national identity cards as a major barrier, saying many residents are unable to register without the documents.

They pledged to follow up the matter with the relevant authorities to ensure more people are facilitated before the registration window closes.

During the meeting, they emphasised the importance of voter registration as a tool for political empowerment, urging residents to recognise the influence of numbers in shaping governance and securing a fair share of national resources.

Their concerns come just days after Health CS Aden Duale urged residents to take advantage of the exercise, describing participation in elections as a fundamental democratic right.

He also committed to engaging Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the National Registration Bureau to address delays in the processing of identity cards.