By The County Diary
Prominent community leader Yoana Kimwele has launched a vigorous call for a mass voter registration campaign across the Ukambani region, urging eligible citizens — especially young people — to register early for the upcoming 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at a community rally held in kitui on Friday, Kimwele highlighted the importance of expanding the electoral roll to fully capture the voices of the region’s residents. According to recent figures from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), continuous voter registration is underway nationwide, though overall turnout remains below expectations with only a fraction of the targeted millions registered so far.
Kimwele said that the success of Ukambani’s political agenda hinges on robust electoral participation. “Every eligible Kamba voter must ensure they are on the register. Your vote is your voice — it determines leadership and development priorities for years to come,” she said, urging youth groups and civic organisations to mobilize at grassroots levels.
Her remarks come amid broader national efforts to boost voter registration, with IEBC targeting millions of new voters ahead of the 2027 ballot. The commission has confirmed that the ongoing exercise allows eligible Kenyans to register at constituency offices and approved centres across the country.
Despite ongoing registration activities, data suggests that turnout has been modest, prompting civic leaders like Kimwele to call for intensified campaigns and localised registration drives. Observers note that enhancing accessibility — including mobile registration units and targeted outreach — could greatly increase participation, particularly among first-time voters.
Civil society groups have echoed similar sentiments, stressing that early registration is crucial for meaningful civic engagement and representation. With the general election still some months away, community organisers in Ukambani have pledged to work with local authorities to coordinate voter education and registration initiatives.
Kimwele also appealed to the youth to shun apathy, saying that generational participation is key to shaping Kenya’s democratic future. “Young people must not wait until the last minute to participate — this is your future, your destiny,” she said.
The call for mass voter registration in Ukambani sets the tone for heightened political engagement in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with stakeholders across the region expected to rally behind efforts to boost electoral participation.
