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IEBC rolls out voter education in Kirinyaga County
26th February, 2026 04:12 PM
Voter education and youth engagement have taken a new turn in Kirinyaga County, with leaders shifting focus from routine civic sensitisation to a powerful call for peace, inclusion, and active participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) this week kicked off a voter education and engagement forum in the county, bringing together young people, stakeholders, and government officials in a dialogue largely dominated by appeals for peaceful elections.
Speaking on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during the forum, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, the chairperson of the voter education partnerships, communication, and stakeholders’ engagement committee, said the commission had deliberately chosen to engage the youth at the grassroots level to understand their expectations and concerns.
“We are here to listen to you. It is our mandate to engage stakeholders and ensure inclusivity in the electoral process. Your voice matters in shaping credible elections,” Mukhwana said.
He urged young people to speak candidly but responsibly.
“Be truthful in your engagement and become ambassadors of peace. The future of this country lies in your hands,” he added.
The commission revealed that it is intensifying efforts to boost youth registration numbers, which remain below target nationally.
IEBC Acting Chief Executive Officer Moses Sunkuli announced that the commission will embark on an enhanced voter registration drive in April, specifically targeting young Kenyans.
“We are targeting 6.3 million young Kenyans before 2027. So far, we have registered only 200,000 nationally. That is not enough,” Sunkuli said.
He called on the youth in Kirinyaga to turn up in large numbers during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
“This is your opportunity to shape leadership. Do not sit back and complain later. Register, vote, and even consider applying to work with IEBC during the registration exercise,” he urged.
In a move aimed at increasing youth participation in leadership, Sunkuli disclosed that the commission has reduced nomination fees for young aspirants.
“We want to see more young people competing for electoral positions. That is why we have reduced the fees to ensure inclusion and equal opportunity,” he noted.
He warned against the culture of political manipulation, especially during campaign periods.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used as goons by politicians. Be agents of truth and peace, both online and on the ground. Kenya needs responsible young leaders,” Sunkuli emphasised.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu echoed similar sentiments, urging the youth to actively participate not only as voters but also as leaders.
“We want to see young people come out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process and to contest for leadership positions,” Nderitu said.
She challenged the youth to mobilise their peers and take ownership of the democratic space.
“Each generation has fought its own battles. It is now your time to fight for your generation by taking up leadership responsibility,” she stated.
On his part, Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussain Allasow underscored the importance of dialogue between government institutions and young citizens.
“It is important to engage the youth in conversations about voter registration so that they understand their role and come out to exercise their constitutional right when the time comes,” Allasow said.
He assured the youth that electoral institutions have undergone reforms and modernisation to enhance transparency and efficiency.
“As a country, we have aligned our institutions with modernisation. Have confidence in them and respect the systems in place,” he urged.
Allasow also cautioned young people against being exploited during the politically charged campaign period.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used to bring disunity or destroy property. Avoid bad behaviour and uphold peace. Elections come and go, but our nation remains,” he said.
As the voter education drive continues across Kirinyaga, one message remains clear: the youth are no longer being viewed as mere voters but as key stakeholders in safeguarding democracy, promoting peace, and shaping the country’s leadership landscape ahead of 2027.
