Makueni: At least 13,671 new voters are targeted for registration in Makueni County during the ongoing voter registration exercise across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) coordinator, Maurice Raria, stated that they expect to enlist 2,738 new voters in Mbooni constituency, 1,688 in Kilome, 1,859 in Kaiti, 2,929 in Makueni, 2,611 in Kibwezi West, and 1,847 in Kibwezi East.
The Makueni sub-county Registration Officer, Florence Mogaka, speaking to Kenya News Agency in her Wote Office, mentioned that the exercise will be conducted in the 187 registration centers in the area. Mogaka explained that the registration will be done daily from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., urging all eligible citizens to carry their original identity cards or valid passports to qualify for registration.
Mogaka emphasized the importance of young people participating in the registration process, stating, "We are calling on the young people to come out and register in their numbers. They are the majority and their voice matters." She further added, "Any Kenyan seeking to register should have the original identity card or a valid passport. This will ultimately enable you to exercise your democratic right to vote."
Additionally, Mogaka disclosed that registered voters who wish to verify their details in the register can visit any registration center. The exercise also facilitates those intending to transfer their registration to other constituencies. "We have an open kit for the entire country under the Kenya Integrated Elections System Management (KIEMS) that can capture your details and place you to vote in the constituency of your choice. There will be no need of traveling far to change your elective area," she reiterated.
The registration officer highlighted that two people per ward had been deployed to educate and mobilize citizens to boost awareness and improve turnout during this crucial voter registration period. "I hope the increased civic education and community outreach will help bridge the gap and encourage more citizens, especially first-time voters, to register," she observed.
Mogaka also revealed that other stakeholders, including village elders, chiefs, and their assistants, had been engaged to enhance the dissemination of information to make the exercise a success.