Presidential hopeful and activist Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has urged Kenyans to actively participate in voter registration, emphasising its role in shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking on X on September 29, 2025, he said, “Voter registration is the power of change in your hands. Which IEBC office are you visiting today to register as a voter? Let’s turn our voices into votes and our dreams into action. The future is in your hands, claim it.”

His call coincides with the launch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The initiative seeks to enable citizens to register, update details, or transfer their voter information ahead of the 2027 General Election, ensuring wider participation, particularly among young and first-time voters.

CVR targets youth and first-time voters

The CVR exercise, confirmed by IEBC’s Ethokon in July 2025, seeks to meet increased demand for registration, particularly among young Kenyans.

Constituency offices will provide new voter registration, corrections of personal details, transfers, and verification, except in areas holding by-elections.

Eligible voters must be Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above, with a valid ID or passport, and no recent convictions or declared mental incapacity. Omtatah’s appeal stresses the role of youth participation in shaping the nation’s future.

Political leaders push for higher turnout

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking on September 28, 2025, in Kajiado County, urged the IEBC to ensure transparency and encouraged youth to register in large numbers, pledging support for logistical needs such as transport fees.

He emphasised the importance of youth turnout, stating, “Tungetaka vijana wakijitokeza kwa wingi wafanye laini kuanzia kesho, mimi na wenzangu tutaenda kuwashangilia.”

Former Chief Justice David Maraga and Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP) have also backed efforts to increase voter participation, highlighting registration as a tool for accountability and addressing economic challenges.

Omtatah has consistently emphasised issue-based politics over tribal affiliation. He reiterated this stance on September 14, 2025, noting, “My campaign isn’t about tribes. It’s about truth, justice & constitutionalism.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders have joined the push, encouraging the middle class and diaspora to participate. With a TIFA survey on September 24, 2025, indicating only 18% trust in the IEBC, leaders stress accessibility and transparency as key to the success of the CVR exercise and building confidence in the electoral process.

The campaign marks a concerted effort by political actors and civic leaders to ensure Kenyans turn their voter registration into active participation ahead of the 2027 elections.