The numbers are disappointing and risk undermining the county’s influence in national decision-making.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing Enhanced Voter Registration in the county, calling on residents to take the exercise seriously.
He said the current numbers were disappointing and risk undermining the county’s influence in national decision-making.
Lusaka spoke during an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) stakeholders’ forum at Kabula Pastoral Centre.
“I am dissatisfied with the low turnout we are witnessing. Those who have not yet registered must come out in large numbers and enlist as voters,” he said.
The governor took particular issue with Gen Z, accusing them of being vocal on governance issues online but failing to translate that energy into civic participation.
“Making noise on social media alone will not give you the leaders you want. You must register as voters and use your vote to bring about the change you have been yearning for,” he added.
Bungoma has so far registered 34,000 new voters since the start of the exercise on March 28. The IEBC projects to register 75,000 new voters in the county by the close of the exercise on April 28.
Youth have been driving the “Niko Kadi” campaign to mobilize each other across the country to register as voters, although the initiative appears to be achieving limited uptake.
The IEBC had registered 875,510 out of its target of 2.5 million new voters nationwide by Thursday last week.
Lusaka urged residents to recognize the power of numbers in shaping political influence, noting that higher voter registration would strengthen the region’s bargaining power at the national level.
“It is only through our numbers and working together as a unit that we can earn respect and effectively negotiate for our interests,” he said.
IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, who attended the forum, assured stakeholders that the commission was intensifying efforts to boost registration.
“Our officials are even visiting homes to ensure no one, including persons with disabilities, is left behind in this exercise,” Mukhwana said.
The ongoing voter registration drive is part of the commission’s broader efforts to enhance electoral participation ahead of upcoming polls.
