The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has ramped up efforts to increase voter registration nationally, convening a major stakeholders’ forum at Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) that drew more than 50 participants from various backgrounds.
Chaired by Ann Nderitu and Kiambu County IEBC Election Manager Aron Mutuiri, the forum brought together security personnel, political figures, civil society representatives, religious leaders, student representatives, disability advocates, and community organizations, demonstrating a comprehensive societal strategy for electoral readiness.
County government representatives, including substitutes for Governor Kimani Wamatangi, along with Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Members of Parliament, and community-based organizations, participated in the forum focused on enhancing public awareness and involvement in the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (E.C.V.R) initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Nderitu highlighted the Commission’s dedication to bringing voter registration services directly to citizens to guarantee inclusivity and accessibility.
‘We are strengthening democracy by reaching Kenyans where they are and making certain that every qualified citizen is enrolled,’ she stated, adding that the Commission had distributed registration kits throughout the country to facilitate the enhanced process.
Nderitu explained that persons without previously captured biometric data are not listed in the voter register and must complete new registration. She also encouraged citizens to check their registration information through IEBC channels to prevent inconsistencies.
IEBC statistics show that Kiambu County registered about 34,000 new voters during the initial week of the campaign, with an objective of exceeding 145,000. The Commissioner appealed to eligible voters to participate in large numbers to achieve and surpass this goal.
Responding to questions about polling station distribution, Nderitu assured residents that all registered voters would ultimately be allocated polling stations once the registration period ends.
‘There is no need for concern. Following the closure of registration, the Commission will reorganize the data and designate polling stations that satisfy the necessary criteria,’ she clarified.
She additionally mentioned continuous efforts to locate individuals who have not yet collected their national identification cards, emphasizing that these documents are essential for voter registration.
Speaking on behalf of the County Commissioner, Kiambu Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia affirmed the national government’s pledge to ensure peaceful and secure elections.
‘Elections in Kenya are highly emotional and can readily escalate into security matters. This is why we regard elections as a national security matter as specified in Article 238 of the Constitution,’ he stated.
Macharia urged political leaders to demonstrate restraint and refrain from incitement, calling on stakeholders to encourage peaceful involvement.
‘We cannot permit political competition to deteriorate into violence. The security sector stands prepared to assist all parties to ensure Kenyans can exercise their democratic rights securely,’ he added.
Attendees also addressed the necessity of restoring public confidence in electoral processes, with requests for IEBC to improve transparency and communication, especially in responding to voter inquiries about registration particulars and polling station information.
Macharia observed that past electoral conflicts have generated skepticism among citizens, stressing the significance of clear and timely communication from the Commission.
The forum emphasized the vital role of civic education in increasing voter awareness. Community educators were encouraged to proactively involve citizens regarding the significance of voting and the benefit of informed participation.
Nderitu emphasized that elections constitute a shared responsibility encompassing voters, mobilizers, political figures, and electoral authorities.
‘The primary election manager is the voter. Without voters, no election can occur. We must all collaborate to protect our democracy and ensure credible, verifiable elections,’ she stated.
Looking forward, the IEBC expressed confidence in delivering a more credible electoral process for the 2027 General Election, building on insights gained from previous elections.
‘We cannot regress. The 2027 elections must and will surpass those of 2022. Our emphasis is on continuous improvement and enhancement of the electoral process,’ Nderitu affirmed.
She warned against divisive rhetoric and urged leaders and citizens to prioritize national unity and stability.
Local leaders, including Hospital Ward MCA John Njiru, welcomed the forum but expressed concerns about deficiencies in civic education and communication.
Njiru observed that numerous citizens continue to be uncertain about voter registration procedures, especially concerning polling stations and eligibility requirements.
‘We are the ones in the field responding to questions, yet we were not sufficiently prepared. Civic education must be reinforced,’ he stated.
He requested IEBC to involve local leaders more directly in voter education initiatives to guarantee that accurate information reaches community levels.
Forum participants concurred that successful elections require cooperation among all stakeholders, including voters, political figures, civil society, and government institutions.
The engagement forum functioned as a platform to synchronize efforts, address developing issues, and establish consensus on the forward path.
This article was originally published by Kiambu Observer.