The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expressed concern over the low participation of young Kenyans in recent voter registration and by-elections.
The issue was highlighted during a post–by-election stakeholder forum where youth advocates and commissioners clashed over accountability for the declining turnout.
Despite young people forming a majority in the 2022 voter register, many were absent in the November 27 polls. Commissioners described the turnout as “pathetic,” noting that most voters were elderly, particularly women. Youth representatives criticized the IEBC for outdated outreach strategies, urging the commission to modernize communications, including stronger presence on social media platforms.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon assured that intensified efforts will be made to register more young voters during the upcoming mass voter registration drive, essential for achieving the 2027 electoral targets. The commission aims to register an additional six million voters nationwide, heavily relying on youth participation.
 has expressed concern over the low participation of young Kenyans in recent voter registration and by-elections.){kind=link}