With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, political pundits are predicting that the youth, particularly Gen Z, will play a decisive role in determining the outcome. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed plans to register approximately 5.6 million new voters, most of whom belong to this demographic. This surge in voter numbers is set to tilt the election, with young voters emerging as a critical factor in shaping the future of the nation’s leadership.
The IEBC plans to register 2.27 million new voters in the financial year starting July 1, 2025, and another 3.4 million in the following year, bringing the total to 5.6 million by the 2027 elections. If successful, this would increase the total number of registered voters to nearly 28 million. The younger generation, familiar with social media and digital platforms, is expected to make its voice heard, especially in the upcoming polls, where their preferences could influence key races from the presidential contest to local leadership.
The importance of Gen Z was evident during the June anti-tax demonstrations, where their mobilization power through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp was pivotal. This demographic is also being wooed by political figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiang’i, who are all vying for their support.
However, the road to registering these new voters has not been without challenges. The absence of a fully constituted IEBC due to delays in appointing commissioners has hampered voter registration activities. Moreover, budgetary constraints have limited the commission’s ability to carry out effective voter registration campaigns. Despite these hurdles, the young voters’ influence in the 2027 elections cannot be overstated. If they mobilize and turn out in large numbers, they will play a key role in determining Kenya’s next leadership.
