Kenyan media personality and entrepreneur Betty Kyallo has called on Kenyans — especially the youth — to take voter registration seriously, voicing frustration over what she described as “shockingly low” numbers recorded so far.
In an Instagram post reacting to reports that only about 50,000 new voters had registered nationwide, Betty urged citizens to step up and take part in shaping the country’s future.
“Fifty Thousand Pekee? Not Good at All!”
The celebrated journalist and businesswoman said she was alarmed by the figures released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging Kenyans to act immediately.
“Waah, this is not good. Guys, let’s get out there and register. Fifty thousand pekee? Such low numbers,” she wrote.
Betty reminded her followers that voter registration is not just a civic duty but a powerful tool for influence — one that gives citizens a direct say in the kind of leadership they want.
She emphasized that civic participation starts with registration, not just showing up on voting day.
IEBC Pushes Ongoing Registration Drive
The IEBC launched its continuous voter registration exercise earlier this year as part of its roadmap toward the 2027 General Elections.
The campaign specifically targets young, first-time voters, new ID holders, and Kenyans who have relocated and need to transfer their polling stations.
Despite mobile registration units and outreach campaigns, turnout has been much lower than expected.
Officials have blamed the low numbers on voter apathy, economic hardship, and political disillusionment, with many Kenyans showing little enthusiasm for the process.
The commission has urged citizens to avoid last-minute rushes by registering early while centers remain open.
Betty Joins Growing Call for Youth Participation
Betty Kyallo’s message has since gained traction online, sparking conversations about youth involvement in the electoral process.
In recent months, celebrities, civil society groups, and political leaders have all stepped up campaigns encouraging the youth to register and vote.
The IEBC has noted that millions of Generation Z and first-time voters remain unregistered, even though they make up the largest demographic in the country.
Analysts say youth turnout has historically been low due to frustration with politics and a lack of faith in elected leaders.
To counter this, various initiatives — including social media challenges, influencer campaigns, and youth town halls — have been launched to make voter registration more appealing and accessible.
As Betty Kyallo put it, the message is simple but urgent:
“If you want change, it starts with registering.”
