Centre for Multiparty Democracy: 'Youth engagement critical for Kenya’s democracy'

Cente for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Executive Director Frankline Mukwanja wants more youth engagement saying Kenya’s democratic future hinges on meaningful youth participation.

He is warning that the country’s largest voting bloc remains largely disengaged and sceptical of the electoral process.

“We must bridge this gap,” he said, stressing that credible elections require collaboration across all actors in the democratic ecosystem.

Mr Mukwanja spoke during a high-level Stakeholder Engagement Forum reviewing the November 27, 2025, by-elections, led by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon.

The forum brought together political parties, observers, security agencies, civil society, and the media.

Mr Ethekon provided a candid account of the elections, detailing IEBC’s preparations, including recruitment and training of officials, deployment of KIEMS kits, enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct, and management of diverse security environments across 22 electoral areas.

He highlighted operational gains, such as polling stations opening on time, over 99% KIEMS functionality, transparent counting of votes, effective coordination with security agencies, and professional handling of disputes and complaints.

Challenges, including voter apathy, attempts to influence officials, logistical constraints, misinformation, and isolated security incidents, were managed firmly without compromising the integrity of the vote, the Chairperson said.

Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, praised IEBC staff, security teams, political actors, media, and observers, noting their role in ensuring orderly polling and smooth voter identification through KIEMS.

Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu called for enhanced protection for media personnel covering elections.

She warned that attacks on journalists threaten transparency and democracy itself.

She urged the National Police Service to prosecute officers involved in violence against the press.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations clarified that police operate strictly under the rule of law, emphasizing that officers exist solely to secure the electoral environment.

Several suspects involved in election-related violence are already facing prosecution, said DCI Director Amin.