IEBC moves to reverse low youth registration, unveils 3-day exercise at Uhuru Park
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, March 4, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified its push to enlist more young voters through a special voter registration drive at Uhuru Park from March 4 to March 7, 2026.
Taking it to social media on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, through a video, said that the three-day exercise is being conducted in the People’s Dialogues Festival, a civic engagement forum that brings together citizens, leaders and civil society groups to deliberate on governance and democratic issues.
In the spirited appeal captured in the video message, the IEBC chairperson rallied the youth to turn up in large numbers and take part in the exercise.
“Niaje vijana, tunazidi kuwaskia. Kuanzia 4th hadi 7th March, 2026. Tunawaletea voter registration hapo Uhuru Park kutoka kwenye People’s Dialogues Festival. Tunaomba mkam kwa wingi kurigister, kam tubonge form ni dialogue!” Ethekon said.
Ethekon has said that the decision to set up registration desks at the venue is aimed at making the process more accessible to young people and first-time voters who form a significant portion of the country’s population.
Loosely translated as “How are you, young people? From March 4, 2026, to March 7, 2026, we bring you voter registration at the People’s Dialogue Festival. We urge you to come in masses. Come and let us engage.”
IEBC underscores need for youths to register as voters
The remarks underscore the commission’s recognition of the growing call among young Kenyans for greater political influence, referencing their numerical strength in determining electoral outcomes.
IEBC officials noted that the exercise will allow eligible Kenyans to register as new voters, update their registration details or transfer their voting stations where necessary.
The commission has in the past expressed concern over low youth turnout during registration drives and elections, despite young people making up a majority of the population.
By bringing services closer to the public in an open and accessible space such as Uhuru Park, IEBC hopes to boost registration numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission is urging all eligible youths attending the festival and those within Nairobi to take advantage of the opportunity and secure their place in the voters’ register, emphasising that participation begins with registration.