Gov’t Put on the Spot Over Low Voter Registration Turnout

Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya Mo'Fire has raised concerns over the sluggish voter registration numbers recorded in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, he urged the government to provide immediate answers on why so many eligible Kenyans remain outside the voter roll. 

Mo'Fore warned that the situation risks undermining inclusive participation ahead of future elections.

He told the Senate that despite ongoing national registration efforts, many Kenyans are still unable to register due to logistical obstacles, poor access to registration centres, and insufficient public awareness. 

Mo'Fire asked the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights to investigate the extent of the challenges and determine whether current strategies are effective.

"It is worrying that many citizens, particularly the youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities, are unable to register due to lack of access and limited awareness. This threatens inclusive participation in our democratic process," he said.

Mo’Fire also demanded that the government to disclose the resources allocated to voter registration campaigns, the outreach strategies being deployed, and the measures in place to resolve the system failures and technical glitches that continue to frustrate citizens seeking to register, transfer, or update their voter details.

He further questioned the impact of ongoing drives, calling for clear, actionable plans to ensure that every eligible Kenyan can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received the first batch of ballot papers and statutory forms for the November 27 by-elections.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 19, the commission said the consignment was received by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon.

IEBC noted that the second batch, comprising 29 pallets, will arrive in the country on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 PM.

"The Commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, has this evening received the first batch of 10 pallets containing ballot papers and statutory forms for the upcoming 27th November 2025 by-elections. The final batch of 29 pallets will be arriving tomorrow evening at 1930hrs," IEBC stated.

The electoral body mentioned that the ballot papers were printed at Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Greece, at a cost of Ksh27 million.

The IEBC also announced that the distribution of ballot papers will begin on Friday, November 21, 2025.

In areas such as Banisa and Mandera, the papers will be airlifted due to security concerns.

"Dispatch of the materials, including ballot papers, will begin on Friday, 21st November 2025. Ballot papers to far-flung areas, including Banisa and Mandera, will be airlifted due to security reasons and distance," IEBC stated.