SIAYA, Kenya — “If you don’t vote, you silence yourself,” IEBC Commissioner Prof. Aduol (above)warned, urging Nyanza Region residents to register as voters amid growing political marginalization risks ahead of the Aug. 10, 2027, general election…….Photo/CG
Siaya,Kenya
By James Wekesi
Speaking during a tour of Siaya County, Aduol revealed the region is severely lagging behind in voter registration.
Overall registration across five visited counties stands at roughly 60% of set targets, with Siaya dropping to just 55%.
According to Elections Observation Group and IEBC data, Nyanza’s voter enrollment remains heavily constrained.
Kisii County led the regional drive with 65,152 new voters, followed by Homa Bay at 53,553, Migori at 46,620, Kisumu at 45,280, and Siaya at 44,078. Nyamira County recorded the lowest turnout with 29,996 new voters.
“A community celebrated as intelligent and hardworking cannot afford to rationalize itself out of voting,” Aduol said, attributing the low numbers to widespread youth apathy. “There is no way you can have your voice heard if you don’t register. It is a responsibility.”
Aduol dismissed claims that the IEBC cannot be trusted, insisting the body operates professionally across Africa.
Youth leaders echoed the urgency.
Fredrick Dao, Prime Minister of the Siaya Youth Assembly, called on the younger generation to take immediate action.
“We are protecting our future,” Dao said. “If it is not us, we will not achieve anything. Your vote, your life.”
Following a Supreme Court decision dismissing a petition to pull the election back to 2026, registration remains continuous.
Under a national government waiver making ID processing free for youth, registration will continue past local deadlines at Huduma Centres and constituency IEBC offices.
Q: Who qualifies for the free ID replacement waiver?
A: Any Kenyan citizen—especially youth—holding a valid police abstract for a lost, stolen or damaged national identity card.
Q: Is there any fee required on eCitizen?
A: No. The standard KES 500 duplicate processing fee and the KES 1,050 urgent printing fee have been completely bypassed under the current presidential waiver.
Q: Where can I apply for the free duplicate ID?
A: Applications must be submitted online through the National Registration Bureau (NRB) portal via the eCitizen gateway.
Q: Can I register as a voter without a physical ID card?
A: No. However, the IEBC accepts the official temporary waiting card (Notified Form) issued by Huduma Centres as valid identification for immediate voter registration.
Q: Which local offices are processing these applications in Nyanza?
A: All regional Huduma Centres, including the Huduma Center Siaya (opposite Cooperative Bank), and the Kisii, Nyamira, Migori and Homa Bay town branches.
Q: Does the ID waiver automatically register me to vote?
A: No. After collecting your ID or waiting card, you must physically visit the IEBC desk inside the Huduma Centre or your local constituency office to complete Voter Registration Form A.
