IEBC Raises Concern Over Lower Youth Turnout in Voter Registration During Recent By-Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised alarm over low youth participation in voter registration and recent by-elections. Many young Kenyans, once a dominant voting group, skipped the November 27 polls. Their absence has raised concerns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The issue came up during a post–by-election forum on Tuesday. IEBC officials and youth representatives clashed over who is responsible for the decline. Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat blamed young voters for staying away. Commissioner Prof. Francis Aduol called the turnout “pathetic.” He added that most voters were older, particularly elderly women.

Youth advocates pushed back. They said the commission has failed to connect with younger voters. Tabitha Oluoch of Siasa Place said the IEBC needs to modernize its outreach. She noted that the commission’s TikTok account has just 1,000 followers. She added that its content feels “rigid” and unrelatable to youth. Commissioners responded that responsibility should be shared. Prof. Aduol argued that older commissioners cannot lead youth engagement on digital platforms. He noted that those over 60 are only 5 percent of the population.

Fidel Ongoya, a youth representative, urged the IEBC to take the issue seriously. He warned that disengagement threatens their future. Chairperson Erastus Ethekon promised to intensify voter registration and outreach to young people ahead of 2027.

According to IEBC data, only 148,315 new voters registered between September 29 and December 5. That averages about 2,000 per day nationwide. In the same period, 40,772 voters transferred polling stations and 493 updated their details. The commission aims to register six million more voters before 2027. Success will depend heavily on re-engaging youth, who make up about 70 percent of potential voters.