Concerns of Voter Apathy As IEBC Registers Only 20,000 Against 6 Million New Voters Target In Second Week

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has expressed concern over low voter registration numbers, with only 20,754 Kenyans registering as new voters by the end of the second week of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

The figures, released on Friday, paint a worrying picture for the electoral body which has set an ambitious target of 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As of October 8, 2025, the commission had also recorded 3,207 transfers and 61 updates at its constituency offices nationwide.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon acknowledged the progress made so far but warned that the current pace falls far short of what is needed to meet the registration target.

He singled out youth turnout as particularly disappointing, noting that the demographic remains largely absent from registration centres despite being a key target group.

“While we commend this progress, turnout among the targeted youth remains lower than expected. With a national target of 6.3 million new voters, the Commission urges all eligible Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take this opportunity to register and make their voices count,” Ethekon said in a statement.

The registration figures reveal stark regional disparities across the country.

Nairobi County leads with 4,804 new registrations and 1,105 transfers, followed by Mombasa County with 1,379 new voters and 481 transfers.

Kiambu County registered 1,203 new voters and 282 transfers, while Nakuru and Machakos counties recorded 840 and 923 new registrations respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, Nyamira County registered the lowest turnout with only 18 new voters. Other counties struggling with registration include Lamu with 36, Tana River with 42, Samburu with 67, Tharaka Nithi with 70, Elgeyo Marakwet with 75, and Turkana with 148 new registrations.

The IEBC chairman appealed to Kenyans who have already participated in the exercise, noting that their involvement is crucial in building a credible electoral process. He emphasized that voter registration is the foundation upon which democratic participation rests.

“The Commission appreciates the many Kenyans who have already registered, updated their details, or transferred their voter records. Your participation is vital in strengthening the foundation of free, fair, and credible elections,” Ethekon said.

The commission has intensified its appeal to eligible citizens, particularly young Kenyans, to visit their nearest constituency offices and register.

Ethekon stressed that participation in elections begins with registration, warning that those who fail to register will have forfeited their right to influence the country’s leadership.

“Your vote begins with registration. Your voice matters. Your future depends on it,” the IEBC chairman said, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is being conducted across all 290 constituency offices in the country, with the exception of 24 electoral areas where by-elections are scheduled for November 27, 2025. The commission has assured Kenyans that it remains committed to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to register ahead of the next general election.

However, with the current registration rate yielding just over 20,000 new voters in two weeks, questions are emerging about whether the commission will meet its ambitious 6.3 million target. At the current pace, it would take the IEBC over six years of continuous registration to achieve its goal, a timeline that far exceeds the period remaining before the 2027 polls.

The low turnout has sparked concerns about voter apathy, particularly among the youth who represent a significant portion of the targeted new voters. Political analysts have attributed the poor showing to a combination of factors including disillusionment with the political process, lack of awareness about the registration exercise, and logistical challenges that make it difficult for young people to access constituency offices during working hours.

The IEBC has indicated it will continue monitoring the registration numbers closely and may consider additional mobilization strategies to encourage more Kenyans to participate in the exercise.

IEBC staff during voters registration.