Siasa Place Executive Director,Nerima Wako-Ojiwa has linked rising youth voter apathy in Kenya to growing mistrust in electoral processes and disillusionment with money-driven politics, warning that urgent reforms are needed to restore confidence in democracy.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Wako said many young people feel alienated from the electoral system, questioning both the credibility of elections and the integrity of candidates.
“You vote for someone, you have all this hope, all these promises, and you're like, what difference did it make?” she said, adding that leaders often become “a totally different person” once elected.
She pointed to flawed party primaries and the influence of money as major barriers for credible candidates. “It’s very difficult for us genuine… you’re not going to bribe your way or use mafia money or wash wash to get a ticket in a big party,” she said. As a result, she argued, voters are left choosing between unsuitable candidates, creating “this sense of hopelessness.”
Wako also highlighted broader regional and global concerns, noting a decline in trust in democratic systems. She described a trend of “election authoritarianism,” where “you vote but your vote doesn’t count,” adding that election management bodies are increasingly viewed as compromised.
“Why feed into a system where I can clearly see the game is rigged against me?” she posed.
According to Wako, the credibility of elections remains central to reversing voter apathy. “They struggle to be,” she said of elections in Kenya, warning that once citizens lose faith in the process, participation becomes meaningless.
“If the moment I believe they are not credible, it doesn’t matter whether I believe in a certain leader… I know for a fact that leader will never be sworn in,” she said.
She further raised concern over low voter turnout, revealing that millions of registered voters failed to participate in previous elections, undermining legitimacy. This, she said, places Kenya at a critical crossroads.
Wako emphasized that rebuilding trust must begin with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, urging greater transparency, credible voter register audits, and inclusive voter education.
She also called for collaboration with youth-led civic initiatives to bridge the trust gap. “They have to accredit initiatives like Tuko Kadi, work as partners,” she said.
She concluded that without restoring faith in the electoral system, Kenya risks deeper democratic decline despite its young, vocal, and increasingly politically aware population.