Register to vote for leaders of your choice
Kenya’s President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta (on Thursday February 9th) urged Nairobi County residents to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the February 14th mass voter registration deadline. Speaking in Kahawa West-Nairobi ward, the Head of State reminded members of the public that only registered citizens can participate decisively in their democratic right to elect good leaders who are sensitive and responsive to people’s needs.
Kenyatta rallying for support
Kenyatta implored Nairobi residents to support him and his Deputy, William Ruto -- who was also present -- in their bid for a second term in office, as he called for unity in the race for the Nairobi County seat ahead of the August 2017 general election.
“This year we want Jubilee to take control of the Nairobi County. I urge those aspiring to vie for the seat of Governor in Nairobi not to fail you. It is only one person who can occupy that seat at a given time. Let them not fail us as it happened in the last election; we want one governor only, a governor who will understand the needs of his people," said the President.
Devolved Government leaders in control of enormous resources
The president -- who has been on a voter registration sensitization tour across the country -- drew the attention of the electorate to the importance of the leadership within the devolved government, pointing out that County Assembly Representatives (MCAs) and Governors have control over huge budgets that are meant for development projects at the grassroots level.
“The most important vote is the one for the member of County Assembly and the Governor, because they are the people in control of the resources that touch on the day to day concerns of the people such as water, health, feeder roads and markets; you will only have yourselves to blame if you don’t take part in the voting exercise.”
Final mass voter registration drive likely to determine winner of the 2017 race to Statehouse
Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission -- which was recently reconstituted -- is conducting the last mass voter registration exercise scheduled to conclude on February 14.
2017, and politicians from across the political divide in Kenya have been traversing the country to mobilize voters to register in large numbers ahead of the August poll.
Political analysts and top presidential candidates have opined that the outcome of the upcoming general election is highly likely to be determined by the number of new voters who will register during the on-going registration drive.
The leadership of the major opposition political formation in Kenya – The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) which is currently crafting a National Super Alliance (NASA) outfit is yet to identify a candidate who will battle it out with the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee Party, for the Presidential seat on August 7th.
