Kericho: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged residents of Kericho County, particularly the youth who have reached voting age, to register as voters. This call comes in response to a low turnout since the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on September 29, 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kericho County Elections Manager Dr. Sydney Namulungu highlighted that the number of registrations remains significantly below target. The county currently has 428,000 registered voters against a projected goal of 550,000, leaving many eligible residents unregistered.
The County Elections Manager provided a constituency breakdown, revealing that Bureti is leading with over 27,000 new registrations, followed by Belgut and Ainamoi. However, Sigowet/Soin, Kipkelion West, and Kipkelion East continue to record low numbers, indicating a need for increased voter education and mobilization in these areas.
Dr. Namulungu, speaking to KNA, emphasized that IEBC officers are actively working to reach more residents and ensure they understand the importance of early registration. He noted that misconceptions about the process and low levels of voter education contribute to the slow registration pace. He called on community leaders, civil society, and churches to help in mobilizing eligible individuals, stressing that voter registration is not just for elections but is the first step toward effective representation.
He explained that the exercise aligns with the Commission's constitutional mandate under Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which empowers IEBC to conduct continuous voter registration and maintain an updated national voters' roll.
Dr. Namulungu also disclosed the locations of registration offices in the six constituencies of Kericho County, which are manned by officers to facilitate the process. However, he highlighted logistical challenges such as financial constraints and a shortage of officers, which result in residents having to travel long distances to reach registration centers, potentially contributing to the low turnout.
Despite these challenges, he assured that officers are well-equipped and ready to assist all residents seeking registration.
Additionally, IEBC Ainamoi Constituency Registration Officer Ms. Lydia Chepkemoi stated that the CVR exercise targets newly eligible voters and those wishing to update or transfer their voter details. IEBC is conducting stakeholder engagements, mapping registration centers, and testing Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits to ensure efficiency and reliability.
Ms. Chepkemoi urged Ainamoi residents to visit registration offices with their national identification card or passport, noting that the process is quick.
Meanwhile, Belgut Member of Parliament Mr. Nelson Koech has encouraged local chiefs and assistants to actively mobilize residents for voter registration. Belgut aims to enroll at least 20,000 new voters before the end of the current phase, emphasizing that community leadership is crucial in raising awareness at the grassroots level.
Mr. Koech assured that his office will support chiefs and local administrators in ensuring all unregistered voters in Belgut have access to IEBC registration services.