Kirinyaga Youth at the forefront of IEBC civic drive

Youth in Kirinyaga County are taking centre stage in a renewed civic education campaign spearheaded by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as the country begins early preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The electoral agency this week convened a voter education and stakeholder engagement forum in the county, shifting emphasis from routine sensitisation efforts to deeper conversations about inclusion, peace and youth participation in democratic processes.

Commission targets 6.3 million new young voters

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, who chairs the Voter Education, Partnerships, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, said the outreach was intentionally designed to gather views directly from young people at the grassroots level.

“We are here to listen,” Mukhwana told participants. “It is our mandate to ensure inclusivity in the electoral process. Young people must help shape credible elections.”

Kenya next general election is constitutionally scheduled for August 2027 in line with the country five-year electoral cycle. Officials say early civic engagement is critical in preventing misinformation and politically motivated violence that has characterised some past election periods.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer Moses Sunkuli said the commission will roll out an enhanced voter registration exercise beginning April under the Continuous Voter Registration framework, specifically targeting young Kenyans who have reached voting age.

The commission aims to register 6.3 million new young voters before 2027. So far, about 200,000 have been added to the national register in the current cycle, a figure officials acknowledge is below target.

“This is your opportunity to influence leadership,” Sunkuli said. “Register, vote and consider working with the commission during the registration process.”

Call for peaceful participation and leadership inclusion

In a move aimed at lowering barriers to political participation, the commission has reduced nomination fees for young aspirants seeking elective office. Officials say the decision is intended to widen access and encourage generational representation in leadership.

Commissioner Ann Nderitu urged young residents not only to register as voters but also to contest leadership positions and mobilise their peers.

“Each generation must step forward and define its future,” she said.

Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussain Allasow emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue between state institutions and young citizens, saying voter education helps reinforce public trust in electoral systems that have undergone reforms and modernisation.

He cautioned against political manipulation during campaign seasons and urged youth to reject incitement and violence.

“Elections come and go, but the nation remains,” Allasow said.

As civic forums continue across Kirinyaga, the message from electoral officials remains consistent: young people are no longer viewed solely as voters, but as central actors in safeguarding Kenya democratic stability and shaping its political future ahead of 2027.