IEBC commissioner Mukhwana: Millennials lead voter registration as Gen Z lags
By Emmanuel Rono, March 25, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed a widening gap between age groups, as Millennials and older cohorts significantly outpace younger citizens in signing up to vote.
According to Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, the adult voters (above 35 years) account for two-thirds of new registrations since the launch of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on September 29 last year.
Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Mukhwana said older voters dominate the new registrations, with those aged above 35 accounting for 67.35 per cent, compared to 32 per cent among younger voters.
“Above 35 years, we have 67.35 per cent, and below 35 years, that is 35 to 18, we have 32 per cent. So that tells you that the bulk of those who are leading in terms of voter registration are those above 35. And that distribution is mainly between 36 and 40,” Mukhwana said.
Worst performers in enlisting
He said that youths, especially those graduating from high school aged 18-20 years, are the worst performers in enlisting.
“Youth engagement remains low, but the overall percentage of the youth 35 and below stands at 32.65% of this new registration. 18-20-year-olds are the worst hit. There is low motivation or awareness, which means we need to have civic education,” Mukhwana added.
Mukhwana highlighted that registration trends are heavily dictated by geography and the movement of people into cities.
“Urbanization has a very strong influence on registration,” Mukhwana explained, pointing out that higher awareness and rural-urban migration have bolstered numbers in metropolitan hubs.
Niko Kadi challenge
Mukhwana also credited the ‘Niko Kadi’ challenge, noting that the commission has witnessed a surge in voter registration across the country following the rollout of the initiative.
He said the campaign is already boosting turnout.
Mukhwana said the initiative, which began in Kasarani last week, has significantly increased the number of Kenyans turning up to register.
“We are seeing a surge across the country since this #NikoKadi initiative began in Kasarani last week,” he said.