IEBC Launches Initiative to Boost Voter Registration in Mombasa
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced an ambitious plan to register over 183,000 new voters in Mombasa. This initiative aims to address widespread voter apathy by bringing registration services directly into local communities. The move comes as initial sign-up figures remain disappointingly low, signaling a significant challenge ahead of the 2027 general election.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized that the commission is targeting an increase in Mombasa’s voter base from the current 642,000 to 825,000. This goal is part of the upcoming Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) drive. The county’s target includes specific increases for different areas:
- Changamwe: from 93,561 to 120,241
- Jomvu: from 75,085 to 96,495
- Kisauni: from 135,276 to 173,851
- Nyali: from 124,235 to 160,000
- Likoni: from 94,764 to 121,786
- Mvita: from 118,974 to 152,900
So far, the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise—now in its fifth week—has seen only 3,976 new voters registered in Mombasa and 90,020 nationwide. The IEBC has set a broader target of registering 6.8 million voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
During a youth sensitisation forum organized by Amnesty International in Mombasa, Ethekon highlighted that the low turnout is partly due to limited access, as registration is currently being conducted only at constituency offices. He assured that after the by-elections on November 27, the agency will launch the mass voter registration phase, bringing registration centers closer to the people.
“Once we finish the by-elections, we will launch the Enhanced Voter Registration and move our registration centers to neighborhoods. This will make the process more accessible and encourage more youth to register,” he said.
To support this effort, the IEBC will collaborate with the National Registration Bureau to expedite the issuance of national ID cards. Additionally, the commission will work with civil society groups, media, and influencers to mobilize young voters.
“We need everyone to support us in reaching young people so that we increase the numbers and ensure a free and credible election,” Ethekon added.
Ethekon also urged Kenyans to help rebuild trust in the new IEBC. He highlighted that the commission has strengthened accountability systems, including robust voter identification and result transmission technology. He cautioned politicians and media outlets against spreading misinformation that could undermine voter confidence.
“The young people, the bloggers, we need to tell our story. Let not politicians control the narrative because when we let them do that, we lose faith in everything,” he said.
Ethekon expressed concern over the declining voter turnout, which dropped from 78.9% in 2017 to 64% in 2022. He attributed this trend to growing apathy among young voters.
IEBC chief executive Hussein Marjan echoed the call, urging youth to convert their online activism into electoral participation.
“Youth have the power to make meaningful change, but that can only happen through the ballot, not protests,” he said.
Vocal Africa executive director Hussein Khalid pledged to support the IEBC in mobilizing youth, who will constitute about 56% of eligible voters in 2027.
“If the youth turn up in numbers, they can decide which direction this country takes. This time, let the voter’s card be your voice,” Khalid said.