As Kenya gears up for the next general election in 2027, the political landscape is witnessing a fierce scramble for the youth vote, particularly the Gen Z demographic.
With three years remaining until the polls, political heavyweights are recognising the significant impact that the youthful electorate, estimated at 8.8 million in the 2022 voting register, could have on the election outcome.
According to the latest statistics, about 40 per cent of the 22.1 million registered voters in Kenya are under the age of 35.
This number is expected to rise dramatically as more young people reach voting age.
The 2019 Kenya Population Census revealed that around five million additional youth will be eligible to vote by 2027, with 2.4 million currently aged 13-14 years and another two million under 18 years in 2022.
This burgeoning youth population is rapidly becoming a decisive factor in elections, prompting politicians to devise strategic plans to win their favour.
Notable figures such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah are among those actively courting the youth vote.
Omtatah has successfully garnered support from influential young leaders, including Hanifa Adan, who gained prominence for her role in coordinating aid during youth-led protests.
Adan expressed her admiration for Omtatah, saying, “I want to say loudly that Okiya resonates with all of us Gen Zs; whatever he has been fighting for resonates with our desire for a better Kenya.”
Omtatah, known for his activism, has positioned himself as a candidate who genuinely understands the aspirations of the youth, further solidifying his appeal among this demographic.
President William Ruto is not far behind in the race for the youth vote. His administration is planning a series of town hall meetings across the country aimed at engaging university students and other young voters.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga’s ODM party has also made strides to connect with the youth, enlisting controversial youth leader Kasmuel McOure, a prominent figure during the anti-tax protests.
McOure’s recent alignment with ODM, following a meeting with Raila, reflects the party’s commitment to tapping into the youth movement.
Activist George Morara, who rose to prominence during the recent protests, is similarly banking on the support of young voters to propel his candidacy.
Kalonzo and impeached Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua are also leveraging their campaigns to address the challenges facing the youth, presenting themselves as candidates with viable solutions.
Matiang’i’s name has emerged as a viable option among the youth, particularly after reports surfaced of him hiring a Canadian firm to manage his campaign efforts for 2027.
Political analysts suggest that if the youth can organise effectively, they have the potential to significantly alter the outcome of the presidential election.
Once perceived as apathetic towards politics, young voters are increasingly asserting their influence, as evidenced by their participation in the June anti-tax demonstrations.
The protests showcased their ability to mobilise effectively through social media platforms like X, WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram, creating a powerful movement that resonated across the nation.
Political commentator Javas Bigambo said if the youth can unite beyond tribal affi liations and political parties, they could become a formidable force in determining electoral outcomes.
“If they mobilise themselves away from the tribe, region and party, they will be a strong vote that will determine who is in and who is out,” he said.
The ruling party, UDA, has launched an initiative called the “Comrade Chapter,” aimed at consolidating youth support for the government.
Following the dramatic protests on June 25, where hundreds of young people stormed Parliament, UDA has taken its message to at least nine counties, with plans for further outreach.
Hassan Omar, UDA’s secretary general, emphasised the importance of engaging youth in governance, saying, “We are committed to engaging the youth in matters of governance…we will construct a leadership academy that will be a center for discourse and ideology for young people.”
This initiative aims to mentor the next generation of leaders and ensure their voices are heard. Morara, leading a movement for generational change, has been traveling across the country rallying young people to unite around their shared aspirations.
He emphasised, “the only thing that can save Kenya right now is a united youthful force.”
However, observers caution that while the youth vote is significant, it remains volatile and influenced by various factors. Bigambo noted that the impact of the youth vote will largely depend on how well young voters organise themselves ahead of the elections.
“The youth vote is quite significant but still quite volatile because there are some imperatives that will inform the consequences of the youth vote,” he said.
Key considerations include whether young voters will prioritise issues of governance, transparency and accountability over traditional tribal or regional loyalties.
The challenge lies in whether they can maintain their political consciousness and mobilisation eff orts, as demonstrated during the earlier protests.
As political discussions continue to center around youth issues, candidates are increasingly tailoring their platforms to address the concerns of this demographic. With their engagement in shaping policy and demanding accountability, the youth are poised to play a pivotal role in the 2027 elections.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how effectively these political movements can harness the energy and ambitions of the youth.
With the potential for millions of new voters entering the electoral process, the race for the youth vote is only set to intensify in the coming years, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Kenya.
The outcome of the next elections may well hinge on the ability
of politicians to connect with and
mobilise this crucial voting bloc.
