Gakuya urges IEBC to tackle barriers blocking Gen Z from registering to vote
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently address key obstacles that could hinder youth participation.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Gakuya said Gen Z is faced with both economic and logistical barriers that may discourage them, especially first-time voters, from registering.
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“If IEBC were to be fair, they should ensure the registration exercise is not limited to one centre, as some are too far. Instead, it should be spread to every ward for easier access. In addition, with the economy down, most people cannot afford the Ksh1,000 needed for a round trip to register,” he explained.
Gakuya has urged the electoral body to decentralise voter registration to ensure inclusivity, arguing that the cost of travel and the centralisation of registration centres pose challenges, especially for the unemployed youths in the informal settlements and rural areas.
At the same time, the MP emphasised the urgent need for digital civic education to rebuild trust among Gen Z, who are targeted by both the broad-based faction and the United Opposition for the 2027 polls.
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“IEBC should address civic education on voter registration to build confidence and hope, especially among Gen Z and the youth, through digital platforms,” he appealed.
The lawmaker believes that modernising voter registration is key to reversing voter apathy. His sentiments come as the IEBC raises concerns over the alarmingly low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise across the country.
Speaking at a local TV station on Monday, September 29, 2025, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu revealed that field reports from registration officers indicate very low numbers, with some centres registering as few as three to five people in an entire day.
“From the reports we are getting one by one from the registration officers, some registered three, others five. It is a great concern to IEBC on the low voter turnout because once Kenyans do not turn up to register as voters, it means that they are excluding themselves from participating in their democratic processes,” she said.
Nderitu stressed that voter registration is the foundation of democracy and reminded Kenyans that their voice can only be heard through the ballot box.
“Every Kenyan is encouraged to register and to participate in the electoral processes because by doing that, that is how your vote becomes your voice,” she added.
