IEBC seeks to mobilize more Kenyans to register as voters before 2022 polls

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) is seeking to mobilize more Kenyans to register as voters before the 2022 polls.

Speaking during the launch of Annual Voter Education Week (AVEW) at Bomas of Kenya, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati encouraged those eligible for registration to visit their Constituency Offices for enrolment.

“IEBC shall be effecting transfers and change of particulars for voters whose details may have changed,” he said.

According to Chebukati, the number of registered voters has increased by 149,600 since the 2017 General Election as the number of eligible voters now stands at 19,678,885.

Today, the Commission launched AVEW at the national level and in all the 47 Counties under the theme “inclusive engagement and education for a stronger democracy” following which, related AVEW activities will be rolled out in the 290 Constituencies for the rest of the week.

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AVEW is an annual event that proffers the Commission and its staff an opportune moment to interact with voters, members of the public, partners, and stakeholders in the 47 Counties and 290 Constituencies in the country.

After the conclusion of election petitions arising from the 2017 general elections, IEBC launched Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) at an event that was held in Makueni County on 15th October 2018.

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Kenya JaneMarriott said that they shall support IEBC in the areas of voter registration, voter education, strengthening institutional capacity, and work with Office of the Registrar of Political Parties(ORPP) in encouraging women to register and run for elective offices.

“We are ready to support IEBC to ensure free and fair elections and to enhance voter awareness,” she added.

United Disabled Persons of Kenya(UDPK) reiterated that politics is about power which in turn influences allocation of resources.

“PWDs need to be represented in decision making, they need to be empowered and to have access to information in order to make informed decisions,” it said.

AVEW 2021 will run between today and Sunday, June 20th, 2021 in all the 47 counties and 290 Constituencies countrywide.

The commission urged all players in the political process to adhere to Covid-19 prevention and containment measures put in place by Health Ministry while exploring technological means of interaction in the exercise of their political rights, including holding meetings virtually.