The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expressed concern over poor voter registration figures in Siaya County, with only eight days remaining until the enhanced registration period concludes.
Moses Ledama Sunkuli, IEBC’s Acting CEO, stated during a visit to Siaya County IEBC offices that although national registration has exceeded 1.3 million new voters, Siaya and neighboring Homa Bay significantly lag behind their targets. Presently, Siaya’s registration rate stands at merely 47 percent.
Sunkuli emphasized, “The commission cannot accomplish its goals independently. It requires local leaders to mobilize their communities,” following discussions with IEBC staff and county officials.
He highlighted that political figures should take a leading role in encouraging residents to participate if the county is to fulfill its responsibilities.
In spite of enhanced measures, which involve dispatching clerks, ICT specialists, and registration assistants to all wards, Siaya’s registration performance remains below expectations.
A significant challenge noted during Sunkuli’s inspection is the thousands of unclaimed National Identity Cards held in registration centers. Many of these documents belong to residents employed in Nairobi and other metropolitan areas.
Sunkuli urged, “We request individuals with pending IDs to retrieve them and complete their registration before the deadline.”
The CEO conveyed tempered optimism that Siaya might achieve at least 70 percent of its goal and possibly 90 percent if stakeholders enhance their mobilization efforts.
He mentioned that the commission has doubled its outreach initiatives but cautioned that without support from local leaders and residents, the county may fail to meet its objectives.
The CEO also explained that the process encompasses voter transfers, reminding citizens that these procedures require personal attendance due to biometric verification requirements.
As the registration period approaches its conclusion, the IEBC is calling for immediate action. The commission’s position is evident: unless residents retrieve their IDs and register without delay, Siaya may be excluded from influencing the nation’s electoral landscape.