BY FLEVIAN GEOFFREY: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Awendo Constituency has intensified efforts to reach an estimated 7,900 eligible residents who are yet to register as voters as the nationwide mass voter registration exercise gains momentum.

Awendo IEBC Returning Officer Lazarus Mogoi said a multi-sectoral team had been formed to devise strategies aimed at boosting voter registration in the constituency.

The exercise, which was rolled out by the IEBC on March 30, is expected to run until April 28, 2026.

It is targeting new voter registration, verification of voter details, and transfer of polling stations for already registered voters.

Mr Mogoi said the commission had identified several accessible public locations across the constituency to ensure more residents can take part in the exercise.

The registration centres include Got Ogwamrondo Primary School, Kokuro Centre, Ombo Bita Dispensary, Jogana Market, Awendo Bus Park, Dago Kogelo Primary School, Rinya Primary School, Ulanda Centre, Opoya Market, Siruti Market, Dede Market, Ranen Market, Sangla Junction, and Nyambija Dispensary.

Awendo Member of Parliament Walter Owino has urged eligible residents who are not yet registered to take advantage of the ongoing exercise and enlist as voters.

He said his office would work closely with the IEBC to mobilise residents and ensure the constituency records a higher number of registered voters before the exercise closes.

The IEBC officially launched the mass voter registration campaign in Kwale County and said the exercise is being conducted at the ward level across the country.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the exercise would be carried out in all eligible areas, except in places where by-elections are scheduled.

The voter registration campaign is expected to enhance electoral participation by giving more Kenyans an opportunity to register, confirm their details, and update their polling stations ahead of future elections