Wajir Deputy Governor, Ahmed Muhumed, popularly known as Caato, has called on young people across the country to take an active role in shaping the country’s political future.
The DG said this can be realized if youth register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, but, much more so, “taking every step to ensure they exercise their sovereign right to vote for their preferred candidates.”
Speaking during a meeting with youth groups in Garissa town, Muhumed urged them to recognize their power as a majority in the Kenyan demographics.
He urged the youth to register as voters to drive meaningful change in governance and development.
“If you do not register and vote, you surrender your voice to others who will decide your future for you.”
His remarks come at a time when voter turnout among Kenyan youth remains a concern. In the 2022 elections, only 5.14 million of the 8.8 million registered youth (18 to 35 years) cast their votes, representing 58.5%, a figure lower than the national average of 64.7%.
DG Muhumed, who made his political debut in 2017, has built a reputation as one of the few leaders who maintains a close connection with young people.
He has been consistently engaging youth across northern Kenya, encouraging them to constructively participate in governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
“If you stay silent during elections, you give others permission to decide your destiny,” Muhumed said.
He emphasized that political participation is key to addressing the challenges facing the youth, including unemployment and lack of opportunities.
“The power to transform our communities lies in your voter’s card — that is your strongest weapon for change,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also urged the government and political stakeholders to create more awareness and simplify the voter registration process to make it easier for young people to participate.
The median age of Wajir County population stands at 17 years, with similar demographics being reflected across the region.
DG Caato said the youth hold the greatest potential to influence leadership and policy direction.
“As a generation full of creativity, energy, and ideas, your involvement in elections is your fundamental right — it is a responsibility,” he added.
Participants at the meeting pledged held at a Garissa hotel on Monday, November 10, 2025, pledged to mobilize their peers to register in large numbers and take part in shaping a future that reflects their aspirations.
