The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has raised concern over voter apathy and delays in the collection of national identity cards during an ongoing registration exercise in Vihiga County, warning the challenges could affect turnout ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana made the remarks during an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) backstopping visit to Vihiga County, where he assessed progress and gathered feedback from field officers and stakeholders.
During the visit, Dr. Mukhwana held meetings with County Commissioner Peter Maina and County Police Commander Daniel Chirchir, both of whom pledged administrative and security support to ensure the exercise runs smoothly.
At a separate briefing with the county IEBC team led by acting County Elections Manager Hudson Salonei, officials cited low public interest in registration and the failure by many eligible citizens to collect their national IDs as key obstacles.
The challenges have particularly affected young people, many of whom are unable to register as voters without identification documents, raising concerns about their participation in future elections.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to address these issues and ensure eligible voters are not left out,” an IEBC official said during the engagement.
The Commission also convened a stakeholder forum bringing together youth, women, and persons with disabilities, alongside state and non-state actors, media, and representatives from the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO). The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and improving outreach to boost registration numbers.
Mr. Maina said the county administration would roll out targeted interventions, including working closely with local chiefs to fast-track the issuance of uncollected ID cards.
“We will enhance coordination and field support to ensure more young people receive their IDs and are able to register as voters,” he said.
The IEBC has been conducting the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide as part of preparations for the 2027 polls, targeting millions of new voters, particularly youth turning 18.
The ECVR drive follows concerns raised after the 2022 General Election, where gaps in voter registration and turnout among young people were widely reported. Despite efforts to expand the voter roll, previous exercises have struggled with similar challenges, including low awareness, logistical constraints, and delays in documentation.
Data from past registration cycles shows that rural counties such as Vihiga often face unique barriers, including limited access to registration centres, economic constraints, and slower uptake of national ID cards—factors that directly affect voter enrollment.
At the same time, Kenya continues to experience a demographic shift, with a growing youth population expected to play a decisive role in the 2027 elections. Analysts warn that failure to register this bloc could significantly impact representation and electoral credibility.
Dr. Mukhwana said the Commission would continue monitoring progress on the ground and strengthen feedback mechanisms to ensure the exercise remains inclusive and effective, even as pressure mounts to meet national voter registration targets.
