Campaign rolled out to empower first time voters and mobilize youth vote in 2027
The Youth Congress, a premier youth-serving organization in Kenya has launched a countrywide initiative to mobilize and empower first-time voters.
All indications are that millions of young people will line up to vote in 2027 general election, making this a vital constituency that could decide the outcome of the race.
As Kenya’s General Elections approach, the focus on first-time voters is more crucial than ever. These young individuals will play a key role in shaping the future of Kenya’s democracy. It is essential that they understand their responsibility as voter and are encouraged to cast their votes with integrity.
That is why the Youth Congress countrywide initiative that has been rolled out to empower first time voters through voter education campaign is so important.
The Youth Voice: Activating First-Time Voters for Kenya’s 2027 General Elections implemented by The Youth Congress seeks to provide first-time voters with the knowledge and confidence they need to participate in the electoral process in a responsible way. The campaign includes education sessions conducted in learning institutions and communities where young voters learn about the importance of their vote, the electoral process and how to vote with integrity.
The IEBC is set to officially kick off a nationwide voter registration drive setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle to control nearly six million new voters-predominantly the youth, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration followed by elaborate and tightly scheduled preparatory phase unveiled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission recently.
Speaking at the launch, Raphael Obonyo, co-founder of The Youth Congress said; “Well-meaning young people with Kenya at heart must help mobilize unregistered youth to register in readiness for the 2027 poll.”
“Youth need the backing of all Kenyans, development partners and civil society. Anyone who believes in change that comes through the youth should provide the necessary support including financial or even supply of vote mobilization”
“A better way to achieve a huge registration of youth would be for young people to take over the process. By contrast, it is hard to imagine anything more destructive to Kenya’s democracy than large youth constituency that does not register to vote. That would be the victory some politicians most long for” added Obonyo.