IEBC decries low voter registration turnout

Nancy Marende 29th September, 2025 11:13 PM

IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu at a past event. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/GitobuKE/posts/high-court-upholds-the-nomination-of-ann-nderitu-as-iebc-commissionersays-her-st/1032943569051503/

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised 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.

Jimal Roho Safi during a past event. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/jamal.carter.1654

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“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 has 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.

Her remarks come even as the Commission set a national target of registering 6.3 million new voters during the exercise.

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Bomet

Day one of the registration exercise in Bomet Central began with no single citizen having shown up at the IEBC offices in Bomet town by Monday, September 29, 2025, at noon.

According to Bomet Central IEBC Registration Officer Robert Ngeny, the registration centre was opened as early as 8:00 am, but the desks remained unattended as of midday.

“We opened our offices at 8:00 am, but so far we have not received anybody who is ready to register as a voter,” Ngeny said.

IEBC Bomet Central Registration Officer Robert Ngeny addressing the media on the first day of the voter registration exercise in Bomet Central Constituency Office. PHOTO/Emmanuel Rono

Elsewhere, IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana pleaded with Kenyans to be patient with the new team and not to judge them based on past experiences with other commissioners.

Speaking to K24 Digital, Ngeny urged residents who are yet to enlist as voters to take advantage of the exercise, emphasising the importance of participation in shaping the country’s democratic future.

He particularly appealed to the Gen Z who have turned 18 to come out in large numbers and register as voters in Bomet Central.

“I want to encourage Bomet Central residents, especially the Gen Z who have attained the voting age, as well as those who have never registered before.”

He added that their constituency is ready to carry on this exercise, and they are assisting the public who want to transfer their polling stations and those who want to change their registration particulars.

“We are also facilitating transfers for voters who wish to change their polling stations, and also those changing their details. We are open to assist,” Ngeny explained.