The County Government of Mombasa, in partnership with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), on Wednesday launched a joint civic engagement initiative aimed at strengthening voter awareness and accelerating voter registration.
The event took place at the iconic Mama Ngina Waterfront, drawing county and national leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the public.
Presiding over the launch, Erastus Ethekon highlighted a worrying gap in voter registration across Kenya.
“Currently, Kenya has approximately 22.1 million registered voters against a target of over 26 million,” he noted.
“This leaves nearly 4 million eligible voters unregistered, a majority of whom are youth.”
In Mombasa County, the situation mirrors the national trend. Out of an estimated eligible voter population of over 900,000, only about 650,000 have registered, leaving a gap of approximately 250,000 potential voters.
Ethekon emphasised that closing this gap is critical to ensuring that all voices are represented in the democratic process.
Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to facilitating voter registration through localised civic engagement programs under the “Serikali Mtaani” framework.
“Inclusive participation is central to effective governance,” Nassir said. “Our focus is on reaching communities that are underserved and often left out of the registration process, ensuring every eligible voter has an opportunity to be heard.”
The initiative, which brings together national and county leadership, aims to coordinate outreach efforts to urban areas, informal settlements, and other marginalised communities where voter registration rates remain low.
By deploying civic education campaigns, mobile registration units, and targeted awareness drives, the program seeks to engage citizens directly and provide information on voter rights, registration procedures, and the importance of participation in national and county elections.
“The partnership between IEBC and the County Government demonstrates a commitment to strengthening democracy at the grassroots level,” said Ethekon.
“We believe that by working together, we can significantly reduce the voter registration gap and empower citizens to participate fully in governance.”
Civil society groups attending the launch praised the initiative, noting that civic education and voter registration are key components in building trust between the electorate and institutions.
Local community leaders also emphasised the importance of engaging young voters, who make up a substantial portion of the unregistered population.
The program will include public forums, outreach events in markets and community centers, and mobile registration drives to ensure access for residents who may face logistical challenges in registering.
The County Government indicated that these efforts will continue until the registration gap is significantly reduced, with progress reports to be shared publicly.
“The goal is simple but critical: no eligible voter should be left behind,” Governor Nassir said.
“By working together, we can empower our citizens, strengthen participation, and uphold the democratic principles that form the foundation of our nation.”
With the launch of this coordinated civic engagement initiative, Mombasa County is positioning itself as a model for voter mobilisation efforts, emphasising inclusivity, accessibility, and the empowerment of all eligible citizens.