The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is ramping up efforts to mobilise young Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that declining youth participation threatens their ability to shape the country’s future.
Statistics from the IEBC show that youth aged between 18 and 34 years accounted for 39.84% of registered voters in 2022 a drop of 5.27 percentage points from 2017. Female youth registration fell by 7.75%, while male registration dropped by 2.89% over the same period. This is despite the fact that nearly 75% of Kenya’s population is under 35, according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census.
In theory, this demographic advantage could make young people the single most decisive voting bloc if they register and turn out to vote. However, youth turnout has historically lagged behind older age groups, with many citing disillusionment with politics, difficulties in acquiring national IDs, frequent relocation for studies or work, and a belief that their vote does not matter.
IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana says tackling voter apathy requires more than just registration drives. “What the nation requires, particularly from our young people, is civic education not just about voting, but about our obligations to the state and the state’s obligations to us,” he said.
Recognising that young people are increasingly active online, the IEBC plans to meet them “at their doorsteps” in digital spaces. “We are mapping out the platforms they occupy so we can tap into their thoughts, ideas, and youthful energy,” Mukhwana added.
Past elections have demonstrated the decisive impact of youth mobilisation notably in 2002 but without consistent engagement, their political influence is diminished. National coordinator Mulle Musau of the Election Observer Group (ELOG) urged Gen Z to match their calls for change with concrete action. “The clamour for change must not end in the streets. Beyond protests, they must register and vote. They have the numbers to make a difference,” he said.
The IEBC’s upcoming civic education and registration campaign will target campuses, youth events, and online platforms to ensure Kenya’s largest demographic takes its rightful place at the ballot box in 2027.
