By Joyce Kifalu | April 1, 2026
The Government of Mombasa County, in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has officially launched a 30-day voter registration exercise aimed at increasing civic participation ahead of upcoming elections.
The launch event, held at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, was led by IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung’u Ethekon and attended by several key leaders, including Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele, and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko.
Leaders at the event underscored the importance of the exercise in empowering residents to take part in the democratic process. Governor Nassir noted that a significant number of eligible voters in the county remain unregistered. “We still have hundreds of thousands of residents who are eligible but not registered. This exercise is about ensuring their voices are heard,” he said.
He further emphasized that increased voter registration strengthens community influence in governance and development. “When more people register and vote, they directly shape decisions on resource allocation and development priorities,” he added.
To ensure widespread reach, the county government has partnered with grassroots structures, including community health promoters, youth groups, religious leaders, ECD teachers, and local administrators. These teams will spearhead mobilisation efforts at the ward and village levels.
The campaign is placing special focus on first-time voters, particularly youth who have recently turned 18. Leaders urged them to take an active role in shaping the future. “This is your chance to decide the leadership and direction of your county and country,” leaders emphasized.
Women’s groups and community-based organisations are also being engaged to boost registration in areas that have historically recorded low voter turnout.
Officials warned that low voter participation can disadvantage communities by weakening their influence in political and development decisions. Governor Nassir reiterated that the initiative goes beyond numbers. “It is not just about increasing figures, but ensuring every eligible resident has a voice in decision-making,” he stated.
Residents who have not yet registered have been encouraged to visit designated registration centres across the county before the 30-day window closes, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive democratic process in Mombasa County.
