• Kenya is currently undergoing a nationwide voter registration exercise
  • If young Kenyans want leaders who reflect their values, they must show up, not just online, but in line at registration centers.

Kenya is currently undergoing a nationwide voter registration exercise especially for the first time voters, and once again, the spotlight falls on the youth, the largest demographic, yet historically the least represented at the ballot box.

The irony is alarming: young people are the loudest voices demanding change, but are not seen engaging in the process that enables it.

From social media campaigns to street protests, Kenya’s youth have made it clear that they are tired of broken promises, rising rate of unemployment, high costs of living, and leadership that feels they are not included. They’ve called out corruption, demanded climate action, and pushed for digital freedoms.

But without registering to vote, these demands risk becoming background noise in a system that only listens to ballots.

Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), revealed that only 7,048 new voters had registered nationwide in the first four days of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive. Nairobi came first with 1,597 registrations, while several counties recorded fewer than 100.

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These numbers highlight a troubling trend: despite the youth’s vocal demand for change, many are still not showing up to register. Without a stronger turnout, especially among first-time voters, the dream of new leadership will remain just that, a dream.

This government has had a strained relationship with the youth. From controversial crackdowns on protests to slow responses on education and job creation, many young Kenyans feel sidelined. Yet, the power to shift that dynamic lies in their hands. Registration is the first step toward reclaiming that power.

Youth must understand that leadership is not given, it's taken. And taking it begins with a voter’s card. It’s not only a piece of plastic but also a passport to influence, a tool for accountability, and a weapon against apathy.

If young Kenyans want leaders who reflect their values, they must show up, not just online, but in line at registration centers. Because when the next election comes, the question won’t be “Who do you want to lead?” It will be “Did you register in time to decide?”

The time is now. No registration, no representation. No excuses. 

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