Matiang’i calls for collaborative efforts to tackle low voter registration
By Faith Lagat, October 5, 2025Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has emphasised the critical role of active citizenship in strengthening Kenya’s democracy, urging stakeholders to collaborate for smooth, fair, and accessible voter registration.
Speaking at the Adventist Men Organisation (AMO) Prayer Breakfast at Lavington SDA Church on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Matiang’i called for joint efforts to boost voter enrollment across the country.
“I urge all stakeholders to work together to make voter registration smooth, fair, and accessible to every Kenyan. Our democracy depends on active citizenship and participation in the process of nation-building,” he said.
This call comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) relaunched the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on September 29, 2025, amid concerns over low turnout.
Matiang’i’s call comes as the IEBC recorded a low voter turnout at the beginning of the registration exercise.
Call for national engagement
Matiang’i appealed to Kenyans to embrace their civic duty and register to vote, describing it as both a right and a responsibility.
“I appeal to all Kenyans to step forward and register to vote. It is not just a right but a sacred duty. The future of our country will be shaped by those who choose to take part in it,” he said.
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He expressed concern over the low registration numbers. “I was saddened to see yesterday the CVR figures across the country. If this trend goes on this way, I am afraid we are going to remain where we are forever because you do not take your responsibility, to stand up and take over your duty,” he stated.
IEBC data shows that only 7,048 new voters had registered nationally by October 2, 2025, with Nairobi leading at 1,597 and Lamu recording just one new voter. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to fairness and accessibility, noting that enhanced biometric methods, including iris recognition, have been introduced to ensure credible registration.
Innovative strategies
During a meeting with Gen Z youth in Nakuru on October 3, Matiang’i outlined plans to mobilise young voters through the Jubilee Party and in partnership with IEBC.
“I am going to make proposals to your leaders on how we are going to do this. And even we in Jubilee will find a way of providing support to people. Because I believe in this. Let us not whine and moan. Let us find solutions,” he said.
Elsewhere, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has urged Kenyan youth to register for the 2027 polls.
He proposed the use of mobile and centralised registration points to increase turnout.
“We can talk to IEBC to mobilise young people in one centre. 2,000 or 3,000 IEBC people will come and register the whole day. Even if it is a single registration point going from centre to centre, since we participate and help in mobilising, we will get the votes and the numbers that we require,” he explained.
Matiang’i urged party aspirants to develop programs that make registration easier and more accessible to citizens. His message underscored the urgency of collective action to strengthen democratic foundations through increased voter participation.