The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concerns over low youth participation in the ongoing voter registration drive, even as the country records over 250,000 new voters.

Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations on the night of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana revealed that as of the latest tally, 250,391 new voters have been registered, with the majority coming from urban and peri-urban areas.

According to the commission, Nairobi leads in new registrations, followed by Kiambu County, Machakos County, Nakuru County, and Mombasa County.

Mukhwana noted that the trend reflects higher population densities and better access to registration centres in urban settings.

“As of today, we have registered 250, 391 new voters. The new enrolments are principally in the urban areas and the peri-urban areas; Nairobi is leading, followed by Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, and Mombasa,” Mukhwana said.

Arid and semi-arid regions

However, the commission expressed concern over poor turnout in arid and semi-arid regions, with Isiolo County, Mandera County, and Tana River County recording minimal activity.

The IEBC attributed the sluggish performance in these areas largely to low population density and logistical challenges, which continue to hinder effective voter mobilisation.

“Regrettably, the arid areas continue to perform dismally; Isiolo, Mandera, and Tana River are almost stagnant, and that is because of the lower population density,” he said.

Youth turnout

Despite young people making up a significant portion of the population, their participation in the exercise remains notably low.

The commission disclosed that individuals aged 35 and below account for just 32.65 per cent of newly registered voters, with those aged 18-20 recording the lowest turnout.

Mukhwana warned that the trend indicates a concerning lack of motivation and awareness among first-time voters, which could have long-term implications for democratic participation in the country.

“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.

In response, the IEBC is calling for intensified civic education campaigns to boost awareness and encourage youth engagement in the electoral process.

The commission emphasised that increased participation by young voters is critical in shaping the country’s democratic future, urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at reversing the trend.

The IEBC also announced that it will roll out the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Exercise on March 30, 2026, which is expected to run for a month.

Niko Kadi challenge

Dr 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.