Every election season, the air in Kenya fills with political chatter, campaign songs, manifestos, and promises of a better future. Yet beneath the noise lies an uncomfortable truth: many young people, who make up the majority of the population, are still not registered to vote. According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as of the last general election, youth aged between 18 and 34 years made up about 40% of registered voters, even though they account for nearly 70% of Kenya’s population. This gap weakens the collective power of young people and limits their ability to influence policies that directly affect their lives.
At The Youth Café, we believe that meaningful change begins with participation, and participation starts with registration. Voting is not just about choosing leaders; it is about owning our voices, demanding accountability, and shaping the kind of Kenya we want to live in.
1. The Power of the Youth Vote
Kenya’s youth are often described as “the future,” but that future depends on the choices made today. With millions of eligible young voters, the youth vote can literally decide the direction of the country. Imagine if every young person who complains about unemployment, corruption, or poor governance actually registered and voted, the balance of power would shift dramatically. Young people have the numbers, the energy, and the vision to influence national decisions. The problem is not lack of power; it is lack of participation. When youth fail to register, they hand over their power to others to decide for them.
2. From Frustration to Action
It’s easy to feel frustrated with politics because of the endless scandals, unfulfilled promises, and leaders who seem disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary Kenyans. But frustration without action only leads to apathy. Registering to vote is the first step in turning frustration into meaningful action.
Choosing not to register may feel like an act of protest, but in reality, it benefits those who thrive on voter apathy. When young people stay away, others make decisions that determine job opportunities, education systems, healthcare access, and even digital freedom. Your registration is your ticket to influence these issues: it’s the key to moving from complaint to change.
3. Voting as a Tool for Accountability
One of the strongest messages young people can send to leaders is through the ballot. Voting is how citizens hold their leaders accountable for promises made. It is the bridge between governance and the governed. If leaders know that youth will register and turn up to vote, they will have no choice but to pay attention to youth needs, from creating employment opportunities to ensuring transparent governance.
In recent years, we have seen youth-led movements across Africa challenge the status quo, from the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria to civic participation campaigns in Ghana and Uganda. These examples show that when young people organise and participate, they can spark real change. Kenya’s youth are no different. But participation begins with the simple act of registration.
4.Breaking the Cycle of Disillusionment
Many young people often say, “Nothing will change even if I vote.” This mindset, while understandable, only keeps the cycle of poor leadership intact. Change rarely happens overnight; it is built gradually through consistent participation. The same energy we bring to social movements, online activism, and entrepreneurship must also flow into civic spaces.
Democracy is not a one-day event; it’s a continuous process that starts with registration, continues with voting, and grows with holding leaders accountable. Every election provides a chance to reset, to demand better, and to make leadership reflect the diversity, creativity, and aspirations of Kenya’s youth.
5. Registering is Easier Than You Think
As per Article 83 of the Constitution, a person qualifies to register as a voter provided they are a Kenyan citizen aged 18 years or older and own a valid Kenyan Identity Card or Passport. Eligible citizens should present themselves in person at a designated registration centre, which could be an IEBC county or constituency office, a temporary centre during mass drives, a Huduma Centre, or even selected Kenyan missions abroad for diaspora voters.
At the registration point, their details are captured electronically using a Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kit. This includes their name, ID/passport number, and demographic information, alongside their fingerprints and a digital photograph. After verification of the captured details, an acknowledgement slip is issued as proof of registration and confirmation of their polling station.
The IEBC then compiles a provisional voter register, which is opened for public inspection and verification. During this period, citizens can confirm their details via SMS, online portals, or physical checks at gazetted centres. Any errors can be corrected, and objections to other entries can be raised. This critical phase ensures the accuracy and integrity of the register before the final, certified voter roll is published for use in elections.
6. Why It Matters Now
Kenya stands at a critical point. Economic recovery, climate change, digital transformation, and social justice issues are shaping the country’s future. These are not distant problems; they affect youth directly, from job markets to education, from mental health to entrepreneurship opportunities. Yet, without representation at the ballot box, young people risk being sidelined in national decision-making.
The leaders we elect today will determine policies that affect us for years to come. Whether it’s about the cost of living, access to healthcare, or investment in youth innovation, the power to influence these policies lies in our collective vote. But to vote, you must first be registered.
7. Building a Culture of Participation
For too long, civic participation in Kenya has been seen as the domain of older generations. It’s time to change that narrative. Youth engagement should not end at social media debates; it should translate into physical action at polling stations. Registering to vote builds a culture of responsibility and ownership; it transforms young citizens into active changemakers.
When we register, we don’t just prepare to vote; we prepare to lead. We show that we believe in democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. We set the foundation for a generation that does not wait to be represented but takes the front seat in decision-making.
Call to Action:
Kenya’s democracy is only as strong as the participation of its citizens. For young people, registering as voters is more than a civic duty: it’s a declaration of power, identity, and hope. It’s how we ensure that the policies shaping our future are written with our voices included.
So, if you haven’t registered yet, take that step today. Visit your nearest IEBC office, carry your ID, and secure your voice in Kenya’s democracy. The future belongs to those who show up, and registration is the first step in showing up for your country.
At The Youth Café, we are committed to empowering youth to take active roles in shaping the democratic future of Kenya. Join our upcoming voter education drives, and let’s make sure every young Kenyan is registered, informed, and ready to vote.