Politicians urge Gen Zs to register as continuous voter listing begins

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Politicians across the country have urged youths, particularly Generation Z, to turn up in large numbers for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that kicks off on Monday (today).

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka told residents of Kitengela that Kenya’s future rests on the shoulders of young people.

“To our Gen Z, I urge you to come out in masses and register as voters. You are the future of this nation, and your voice matters more than ever,” Mr Musyoka said, adding that change could only come if they actively engaged in shaping it.

In Likoni, area MP Mishi Mboko echoed the same appeal as she announced the opening of an IEBC satellite office at Shikadabu.

“Nawasihi sana vijana na wakazi wote wa Likoni, mjitokeze kwa wingi. Kumbuka, kura yako ni sauti yako, na sauti yako ndiyo mustakabali wa Likoni na Kenya,” she said. (I strongly urge the youth and all residents of Likoni to come out in large numbers. Remember, your vote is your voice, and your voice is the future of Likoni and Kenya.)

The National Assembly’s Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) also welcomed the start of the exercise, stressing its importance in guaranteeing a fair and inclusive election in 2027.

Chairperson Caroli Omondi challenged the youth to seize the moment.

“This is a defining moment for the youth of Kenya. If you want change, you must be part of the process. Register and be counted,” he said.

Appearing before the Committee, IEBC Chairperson Mr Erastus Edung Ethekon assured legislators that the Commission is fully prepared.

“We have undertaken comprehensive preparations including mapping and reviewing of registration centres, configuration and testing of KIEMS kits, and training of personnel for standardisation across all centres,” he said.

Mr Ethekon revealed that IEBC is targeting 6.3 million new voters to be added to the current roll of 22.1 million.

The strategy includes constituency office registration, collaborations with Huduma Centres, outreach in universities, ward-based drives, and a diaspora programme.

“Our focus will be on youth, women, marginalized communities, as well as Kenyans in the diaspora,” he said.

The diaspora plan, however, drew mixed reactions. IEBC clarified that only valid passports would be accepted for voter registration abroad, except in East Africa where national IDs remain eligible.

MPs voiced concern, warning that many Kenyans abroad risk being locked out.

“They are still Kenyans and must not be disenfranchised. We must find a way to include them in the democratic process,” Hon. Geoffrey Mulanya said.

Despite the concerns, the CIOC praised IEBC’s roadmap.

“We congratulate the new team for their dedication. The credibility of the next elections depends on a fair and inclusive registration process,” said Mr Omondi.

As the exercise begins, attention now turns to whether IEBC can deliver its ambitious target and whether Gen Z, often vocal online but less visible in formal politics, will show up to shape Kenya’s democratic future.