Kenya has officially kicked off a nationwide voter registration drive, and the message to young people couldn’t be clearer: “this is your chance to shape the country’s future”. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is rolling out the continuous registration exercise across all counties, aiming to sign up more than six million new voters before the 2027 General Election.
Anyone who is already on the roll can also take this time to confirm their details, update their polling station, or check their voter status. Officials emphasize that early registration reduces last minute congestion and helps guarantee a credible, transparent electoral process.
This moment is especially important for young Kenyans, who make up the country’s largest demographic. More than 70 percent of the population is under 35, yet many in this age group don’t show up to vote. That is a huge lost opportunity to decide how the country is run.
Over the past few years, though, young people have shown just how powerful their voices can be. In June 2024, thousands poured into the streets in what came to be known as the “Gen Z protests,” demanding the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the dissolution of the Cabinet. It was a bold, unforgettable statement from a generation that refuses to be ignored.
The protests proved their impact, but also brought a painful backlash. Human rights groups reported cases of abductions, disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and police brutality. Many saw these heavy-handed tactics as a way to silence the youth and scare them away from activism. For a lot of young people, it was a reminder that lasting change comes from the ballot as much as from the streets.
The current government insists it’s steering Kenya in the right direction and is confident that voters will re-elect it in 2027. Whether that happens, however, is entirely up to the people especially the youth. If you’re 18 or older, registering to vote is how you make sure you have a say. It’s quick and simple: all you need is a valid national ID or passport, and IEBC offices and registration centers are open across the country to help you get it done.
Registering isn’t just paperwork. It’s about having a voice on the issues that matter jobs, the economy, fairness in government, and the protection of rights. By signing up now, you give yourself the power to either keep the leaders you believe in or replace them when the time comes. If young people want a government that listens to them, they have to show up and be counted.
The IEBC’s doors are open. For every Kenyan turning 18 and for those who have yet to register, today is the time to step forward. The ballot box remains the most powerful instrument of change and it begins with a single, simple act of registration.
