Senator Nyutu explains why IEBC is experiencing low voter registration turn out
By William Muthama, October 1, 2025Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has linked low voter registration turnout among young Kenyans to delays in the issuance of national identification cards, warning that slow ID distribution is preventing eligible youth from registering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Monday, September 30, 2025, during an interview, Nyutu urged the Registrar of Persons to accelerate the process of issuing IDs, stressing that without proper identification, young people cannot participate in the electoral process.
“Without an ID, you can’t register as a voter. The Registrar of Persons must hasten the issuance of IDs to young people so they can register. Gen Zs, mobilise yourselves, and register; your voice matters,” Nyutu said.
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He highlighted that while over 22 million voters are registered in Kenya, only about 14–15 million turned out in previous elections, suggesting that many young people feel their votes do not count.
Nyutu said the slow distribution of IDs exacerbates this problem, leaving eligible Gen Z voters unable to participate.
Elsewhere, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised an alarm over the high number of Kenyans who have never obtained a national identification card, despite being well into adulthood.
Nyutu further noted the financial constraints facing the IEBC, with the commission requesting Ksh61 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections.
Of this, Ksh10.2 billion is earmarked for by-elections in November, and Ksh 9.6 billion is projected for voter registration alone.
He stressed that the high costs, coupled with trust issues, are key challenges to achieving high voter participation.
The Senator called on the government and relevant agencies to prioritise the timely distribution of identification cards to ensure that young people can exercise their democratic rights.
“Delays in ID issuance deny young Kenyans the opportunity to participate in shaping their future. It is essential that these issues are resolved well ahead of the elections,” Nyutu added.
Nyutu’s remarks come a day after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) raised concerns over the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The commission revealed that field reports from registration officers indicate extremely low numbers in some centres, with as few as three to five people registering in a whole day, warning that limited participation could exclude Kenyans from the democratic process.