Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioner Roselyn Akombe has urged Kenyan youths not to shy away from
participating in elections, warning that voter apathy only serves to strengthen
incumbents.
In a public statement, Akombe acknowledged frustrations
among young and middle-class Kenyans who often feel their votes do not matter
or that the system is manipulated against them.
She cautioned that such perceptions are deliberately
encouraged by those in power to weaken civic engagement.
“There are times you might feel that your actions don’t make
a difference, that your one vote will not make a difference, and that the
system is always manipulated against you. This is exactly what incumbents want
to convey to keep you away from the ballot,” Akombe said.
She noted that low voter turnout consistently benefits
sitting governments, a trend that can be observed globally.
“Please do not give in to the deliberate narrative meant to
discourage the youth and the middle class from voting. A low voter turnout
always benefits the incumbent, just pick any country in the world and see the
data,” she emphasised.
Akombe, who resigned from IEBC in 2017, citing safety
concerns and lack of transparency in the electoral process, has remained an
outspoken voice on governance and democracy.
Her latest remarks come amid growing debate over electoral
reforms in Kenya and rising concerns about declining voter registration among
the youth.
The debate comes amid an ongoing voter
registration exercise.
The electoral agency is targeting 6.3 million new voters
before the 2027 general election, the majority being Gen Z.
Ten per cent of the target is to be realised in the ongoing
exercise.
IEBC officials acknowledged the low numbers but remained
optimistic that the turnout would pick up once intensified civic education
campaigns begin.
IEBC director of voter education and partnerships Joyce Ekuam
urged the youth to take advantage of the ongoing registration to make their
voice count.
She said the youth must leave social media and show up at
IEBC centres if they want their voice to be heard.
“Kenyan youth, 2027 is your year. Get off social media
platforms and vote. Elections are physical,” Ekuam said.
The lukewarm start has sparked debate in political circles,
with leaders warning the country’s youth risk locking themselves out of the
ballot in 2027.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, noting that political
apathy among youth is being worsened by unemployment and the manner in which
the exercise is done, which requires the physical presence of the applicants.
Kenya National Civil Society Centre executive director Suba
Churchill told the Star that IEBC should consider enabling registration online
to get the tech-savvy youths.
He, however, expressed confidence that the electoral agency will
meet its target before the elections.
“That [poor turnout] was expected because there was no
sufficient time for sensitisation. Many young people are online savvy; if IEBC
can come up with an online registration option, then the numbers will be
realised,” Churchill said.
“As usual, Kenyans love last-minute, several young
Kenyans know the exercise will run for long. I am still confident they will
turn up and register.”
