Low voter registration witnessed in Kitui county

On the first day, only a few people turned up at registration centres in Kitui Central Constituency, while most other constituencies across the county recorded no new voters at all.

Despite the slow start, IEBC officials in Kitui assured residents that they were fully prepared and equipped to carry out the exercise until its conclusion. County Elections Manager, Dr Macharia Gichichi, called on residents to take advantage of the continuous registration process by visiting their nearest IEBC office.“Kitui County currently has 532,738 registered voters, but our target is to add 151,920 more in this round before the next elections,” Dr Gichichi said. “This should serve as a wake-up call, particularly for the youth and Gen Zs who have not yet acquired voter’s cards. Carry your original ID card or passport and register.”

He noted that now that Kenya has a substantive IEBC chairperson, citizens should seize the opportunity to take part in the registration.

Dr Gichichi further explained that the electoral body had simplified the process, allowing Kenyans to register and vote from wherever they live. “It is not a must to travel to your home area to register or vote. Simply walk into the nearest IEBC office and complete the process to be ready to choose the leaders you want in 2027,” he added.

In Kitui Central, Returning Officer Janet Mutia confirmed that only a small number of residents had registered on the opening day. She urged the youth in particular to respond positively and avoid waiting until the last minute.“We have registered very few voters, and the absence of Gen Z is evident. I encourage them to visit my office with their IDs so that they can be part of the 2027 General Election,” she said.

Mutia reminded residents that early registration would save them from the inconvenience of rushing when deadlines approach.“As the saying goes, mapema ndiyo best. Please hurry up while there is still time,” she urged.

The exercise is being conducted in all constituencies at IEBC offices and other designated centres where residents collect their identity cards. Officials emphasise that registration will continue until the set targets are met.

The drive is also viewed as a critical chance for young people—many of whom have in recent years protested against poor leadership—to transform their grievances into action by ensuring they are eligible to vote in 2027.