Nairobi leaders launch initiative to rally youths to register as voters ahead of 2027 polls

A section of leaders from Nairobi County on Saturday launched an initiative seeking to have youths register as voters in the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Politician Agnes Kagure and Geoffrey Owino of the Kenya Patriotic Party launched the exercise in Kariobangi North as they eye other wards in the county, especially informal settlements.

Kagure said the reports that Kenyans are not turning out in large numbers for the exercise has triggered a wave of concern.

"We're making a call to all youths in the country, especially from Nairobi to come out in large numbers and register as voters so that they can take charge of their future," said Kagure.

They noted that their rallies will be targeting the Generation Z who have been yearning for change in different spheres of leadership in the country.

"Young people, for you to bring change, you must first have the voter's card. That is your power, your voice, and your future," said Owino.

The leaders challenged youth to go beyond social media trends and content creation — to use their platforms to mobilise peers for the ongoing IEBC continuous voter registration exercise.

At the same time, they called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to step up its efforts by making the registration process easier, accessible, and transparent for all Kenyans.

"IEBC must take this process to the people — visit social spaces, churches, estates, and youth gatherings. Civic education and voter sensitisation must be intensified if we are to restore trust and participation," said Kagure.

The Kenya Patriot Party took the opportunity to unveil Geoffrey Owino as the candidate for Kariobangi North Ward, following the passing of the late Joel Munuve.

The leaders eemphasised that the future of Kenya lies in the hands of young voters — and that meaningful change begins with registration, participation, and leadership accountability.

IEBC on Monday started continuous voter registration even as early signs point to dismal turnout as Gen Zs give the exercise a wide berth.

A spot check by the Eastleigh Voice at various registration centres revealed clerks were left idle for hours over the past three days as only a few people turned up to register.

The electoral agency is targeting 6.3 million new voters before the 2027 general election, the majority being Gen Z.

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Ten per cent of the target is to be realised in the ongoing exercise.

IEBC officials acknowledged the low numbers but remained optimistic that the turnout would pick up once intensified civic education campaigns begin.

IEBC director for voter education and partnerships Joyce Ekuam urged the youth to take advantage of the ongoing registration to make their voice count.

She said the youth must leave social media and show up at IEBC centres if they want their voice to be heard.

"Kenyan youth, 2027 is your year. Get off social media platforms and vote. Elections are physical," Ekuam said.

The lukewarm start has elicited debate in political circles, with leaders warning the country's youth risk locking themselves out of the ballot in 2027.