Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday launched a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at developing youth-focused voter education, partnerships and communication strategies in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, covering strategies for the 2025/26/27 financial years, was officially opened by Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana on behalf of the IEBC chairperson. Dr Mukhwana, who chairs the Voter Education, Partnerships, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, said Kenya’s changing socio-political landscape requires fresh approaches to engage the country’s young voters.
Reflecting on Kenya’s electoral history, Dr Mukhwana noted that while the nation has long been seen as a regional beacon of peace, the growing youth population demands deeper voter education and stronger public trust.
“The current youth demographic is unlike any previous generation. They are deeply informed, digitally connected and politically alert. If we engage them correctly, they become our greatest asset. If we fail, they could become a powerful source of instability,” he said.
He cautioned that misinformation and disinformation pose serious risks to electoral integrity, adding that weak civic education fuels confusion, mistrust and conflict. Strengthening voter education, stakeholder engagement and communication pathways, he said, is critical to building public confidence in the electoral process.
Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD–Kenya) executive director Frankline Mukwanja said Kenya is at a defining democratic moment as it prepares for the 2027 polls. He highlighted long-standing challenges related to institutional weaknesses, inconsistent voter education and public mistrust.
“Institutions must critically examine both their structural capacity and civic readiness ahead of the next General Election. Accountability-driven performance targets and stronger collaboration are no longer optional,” Mr Mukwanja said, emphasizing the need to adapt communication strategies to the digital-savvy youth.
Infotrak Research CEO Angela Ambitho presented findings from a 2024–25 study showing that Gen Z and millennials are highly connected online, culturally aware, and open to diversity. However, low public trust, perceptions of rigging and voter disillusionment continue to suppress participation.
The study found that voter education is often fragmented, focusing mainly on procedures while neglecting transparency, grievance resolution and accountability.
URAIA Trust representative Bancy Kubutha stressed the importance of community-driven voter education and inclusive outreach to counter misinformation and encourage peaceful participation.
The workshop aims to co-create performance targets and public outreach strategies tailored to youth engagement, strengthening voter education, partnerships and communication ahead of the 2027 General Election.
