The electoral agency has turned to youth-friendly language in an effort to attract thousands of young Kenyans to take part in the next voter registration exercise.
In a social media post that departed from its usual formal tone, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) invited young people to apply for temporary positions during the upcoming Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, describing it as an opportunity to “secure the bag + serve the nation”.
The Commission is recruiting Voter Registration Assistants, Voter Registration Clerks and ICT Clerks to serve at ward level for 30 days when the exercise begins on March 30. The deadline for applications is March 4.
“Niaje bestie, this one is for the youth!” the post read, urging applicants not to “ghost opportunities then complain there are none.”
The recruitment drive comes as the IEBC prepares for a nationwide push to register 2.5 million new voters in Phase One of the ECVR. The Commission projects it will need at least 6.3 million new voters to reach a target of 28.5 million registered voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
A large share of the target group consists of young Kenyans who have attained the age of 18 since the last mass registration drive.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has previously said the credibility of the 2027 polls will largely depend on the integrity and inclusiveness of the voters’ register compiled in the coming months.
The Commission has indicated that the ECVR will adopt a more decentralised and proactive approach, with temporary clerks moving across wards and remote areas to ensure eligible citizens are not locked out of the process due to distance or logistical challenges.
The youthful tone of the recruitment message signals a deliberate attempt to connect with first-time voters and job seekers at a time when unemployment among young people remains high.
By blending civic duty with economic opportunity, the Commission appears keen to boost both participation in the exercise and confidence in the electoral process as preparations for 2027 gather pace.
