Koinange Urges Youth To Register As Mass Voter Exercise Begins March 30

By Fatuma Rashid

Young people across Laikipia County have been urged to register as voters when the nationwide mass voter registration exercise begins on March 30, 2026, ahead of the next general election.

The exercise targets eligible citizens who have attained 18 years and possess national identification cards but have not yet enrolled as voters in the country’s electoral register.

The exercise will also give registered voters an opportunity to transfer their polling stations to areas closer to where they live, work or study, making it easier and more convenient to participate in elections.

The youth form a large share of the population, making their participation in voter registration critical in shaping future leadership, policy direction and development priorities at both national and county levels.

Leaders and civic groups say registering as a voter is one of the most important democratic responsibilities, enabling citizens to choose leaders, influence governance and demand accountability from elected officials.

“Young people hold the greatest stake in the county’s future, and the first step toward influencing that future is registering as voters,” said Koinange Wahome, the 2027 Laikipia gubernatorial front-runner.

Civic groups note that possession of a voter’s card gives the youth the constitutional right to participate in elections and referendums that determine leadership and shape economic and social policies.

Koinange said registering and voting empowers youth to push for policies that address youth unemployment, education opportunities, entrepreneurship and equitable development across counties and local communities.

“Youth who have attained 18 years and already acquired national identification cards should treat voter registration as a civic duty and an investment in their own future,” Koinange said.

The DCP party candidate further urged those who have applied for national identity cards to visit civil registration centers to confirm their details, collect their IDs and proceed to register as voters.

Election officials say the registration exercise will be conducted at designated centers across the country, with outreach efforts targeting institutions of learning and underserved communities.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says strong youth participation in voter registration will strengthen democracy while ensuring that the voices and priorities of younger generations are reflected in future leadership decisions.