Nakuru IEBC boss raises alarm over low voter registration
By Elijah Cherutich, January 22, 2026The Nakuru County Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) elections manager, Joseph Melle, has expressed concern over the dwindling numbers of new registrations of voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Kivumbini, Nakuru Town East, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during the engagement forum of youths on the importance of registration as voters, Melle said that young people are not turning up at the registration offices to start a journey of participating in the elections of leaders into the offices.
Worrying situation
He said that they are worried about the situation if there are no people getting new identification documents to facilitate them getting registered.
“We are only waiting for the numbers to turn up, and we want these young people to take the bold steps because unless they are registered, the gains may not be realised soon,” he said.
Lelsie Rono from the Midrift Human Rights Network said that they organised the event to lobby the young people to take their votes so that they can be part of the change.
She said that most of the young people participated in the demonstrations in 2024 because of pertinent social issues, and as such, they can meaningfully participate in the change through voting.
“We want them to be part of the change so that we don’t always complain about bad leaders or poor governance without participating in the process,” she said.
Hamza Ramadhan, a youth leader from Bondeni estate in Nakuru town east, said that they are working closely with young people to build a peaceful society and pushing young people to be part of it.
He said that as we get closer to the elections, most young people are misused in the electoral process by politicians, and as such, ensuring healthy relationships and awareness of responsibilities builds resilience among them.
Continuous voter registration
IEBC announced the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in 30 constituencies across the country, effective Monday, January 12, 2026.
In a Saturday, January 10, 2026 statement, the Commission said the exercise had been temporarily suspended in the affected areas to allow for the conduct of the Thursday, November 27, 2025 by-elections.
“The Commission hereby announces resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the following electoral areas,” IEBC stated.
The constituencies targeted in the renewed registration drive are Magarini, Galole, Fafi, Banissa, Machakos Town, Turkana North, Turkana West, Samburu North, Moiben, Keiyo South, Chesumei, Tiaty, Baringo North, Baringo Central, Baringo South, Mogotio, Eldama Ravine, Narok North, Kajiado Central, Khwisero, Kabuchai, Ugunja, Kasipul, West Mugirango, North Mugirango, Borabu, and Embakasi North.