LOWOI HAILS IEBC'S INCLUSIVE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE, CALLS FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

The Secretary for the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit at the Executive Office of the President, Hon. Josphat Lowoi, OGW, has lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for prioritizing inclusivity in Kenya's electoral process through its newly launched Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025–2027.

Speaking during the launch of the two key electoral blueprints, Lowoi thanked the Commission for inviting his office to participate in the event and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, including minority and marginalized communities, are fully represented in the country's democratic processes.

He emphasized that elections go beyond the act of casting votes, noting that true democracy is achieved when every citizen is counted, represented, and given an equal opportunity to participate.

"For years, minority and marginalized communities have remained on the periphery of Kenya's electoral processes due to challenges such as language barriers, lack of national identification documents, and limited access to voter registration services," said Lowoi.

He particularly commended the IEBC for launching the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Exercise in Shimoni, Kwale County, an initiative aimed at increasing voter enrollment among minority communities that have historically faced exclusion from electoral participation.

Lowoi noted that meaningful participation is the cornerstone of democracy and urged all stakeholders to work together to eliminate barriers that hinder citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.

"Every Kenyan must feel that their voice matters and that their vote counts. Inclusive elections strengthen national unity and ensure that no community is left behind in shaping the country's future," he said.

The IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan 2025–2027 are expected to guide the Commission in enhancing electoral integrity, expanding voter access, and strengthening public confidence in electoral processes ahead of future elections.

The launch comes as the Commission intensifies efforts to deepen democracy through inclusive participation, civic education, and targeted voter registration campaigns across the country.