By Cantona Joseph  Published on: March 24, 2026 11:50 (EAT)

IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana speaks on Citizen TV’s ‘The Explainer’ show on March 24, 2026.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 250,391 new voters since the launch of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on September 29 last year, Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana has revealed.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s ‘The Explainer’ show on Tuesday night, Dr. Mukhwana said the new registrations have largely been concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, with Nairobi leading the pack.

Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru and Mombasa counties follow closely, reflecting a trend where population density and access to services continue to shape voter turnout.

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However, the commissioner expressed concern over the persistently low registration numbers in arid and semi-arid regions.

He noted that counties such as Isiolo, Mandera and Tana River are lagging significantly, a situation he attributed to sparse populations, nomadic lifestyles driven by harsh climatic conditions, and systemic barriers in accessing identification documents.

“There are also the issues of do they get their ID cards in time? There are cases in Turkana, for example, where elderly people don’t have birth certificates, leave alone IDs,” he said.

“The youth engagement, as of today, remains low, but the overall percentage of the (newly registered) youth aged 35 and below stands at 32.65%. The 18-20 year olds are worst hit, we only have 67,888 of them.”

Dr. Mukhwana pointed to delays in acquiring national IDs after leaving school and a lack of civic awareness as key factors behind the low uptake among this age bracket.

He called for early civic education within schools to ensure young people are better prepared and motivated to register once they become eligible.

Overall, Kenya’s total number of registered voters now stands at 22,352,923 as of 2026. Of the newly registered voters, 50.9 per cent are male while 49.1 per cent are female, indicating a near gender balance.

In terms of county performance, Nairobi leads with 49,055 new voters, followed by Kiambu with 20,404. Together, Dr. Mukhwana revealed, the two counties account for 27 per cent of all new registrations.

Mombasa ranks third with 15,140, followed by Machakos (11,687); Nakuru (10,432); Kitui (9,401); Kisii (8,871); Kakamega (8,078); Meru (7,499); and Murang’a (7,267).

At the bottom of the scale, Isiolo has registered just 112 new voters, Tana River 241, Lamu 578, Elgeyo Marakwet 552 and Mandera 994, underscoring the stark regional disparities.

Dr. Mukhwana further noted that older voters dominate the new registrations, with those aged above 35 accounting for 67.35 per cent, compared to 32 per cent among younger voters.

He said this trend suggests that the momentum in voter registration is currently being driven more by middle-aged citizens than by first-time voters, raising questions about long-term electoral participation if youth engagement is not improved.

Safaricom pumps Ksh. 20 million into Lewa Marathon as entries open

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Leading telco provider Safaricom has committed Ksh.20 million to support the 2026 Lewa Marathon slated for Saturday, June 27 within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya in a bid to support wildlife conservation and local community projects.

Many of Kenya’s most endangered species will be better protected, and rural communities better off, thanks to funds raised by runners taking part in the 2026 Lewa Safari Marathon, organisers Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy said as they launched this year’s event on Tuesday.

The KSh1.3 billion raised since the first marathon in 2000 has helped fund Kenyan initiatives contributing to a doubling of Hawksbill turtles and more than doubling of young Grevy’s zebras.

Rhinos, including black rhinos, increased by a quarter in one reserve, and mountain bongos are safer in their habitats around Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, the only places they are found in the world.

Alongside support to those endangered species, marathon funds also covered costs for more than 40,000 clinic visits, funded dozens of school programmes, and supported rural enterprises including pastoralists and women-led businesses.

This year, hundreds of participants from dozens of countries are expected to take part and organisers estimate the event will raise more than KSh15m.

International entries are already open and those for Kenya and East Africa open on March 27. The race will be held at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on June 27.

Mike Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy welcomed the move.

“Every step taken at the Lewa Safari Marathon powers real, measurable conservation impact. Through the commitment of every runner and supporter, we are securing critical habitats, protecting endangered species, and building resilient communities with sustainable livelihoods.

A huge thanks as ever to our invaluable event sponsors. This collective action ensures conservation works for people as well as wildlife, for generations to come.”

Chantal Migongo-Bake of Tusk laued the Lewa Safari Marathon as “more than just a race” as the “running challenge with purpose, a movement that unites runners from around the world in support of Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and communities.”

“This incredible event continues to raise vital funds that innovate conservation efforts, protect critical landscapes and threatened species, and uplift  livelihoods.

“The Lewa Safari Marathon is a testament to the impact we can achieve together for the future of Africa’s wild spaces.”

Set within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and children’s race, all taking runners across sweeping savannah plains, along riverbanks, and through acacia woodland.

More than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have taken part over the years, including Kenyan former marathon World Record Holders Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Catherine Ndereba. Runner’s World recognises the Lewa Safari Marathon as one of the world’s top ten amateur races.

Safaricom has been the event’s main sponsor since it started, while Huawei has supported it for more than a decade. Their backing helped drive the race’s long-term impact, as well as attracting other leading Kenyan brands and companies, which this year includes, ICEA Lion, Tropical Heat, Safarilink, AMREF, Ravenswood, Elewana and Land and Life.

All marathon partners provide core financial support, which ultimately enables wildlife conservation initiatives, strengthens local communities, and brings people closer to nature.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said: “For the past 26 years, we have proudly been part of the success story of the Lewa Safari Marathon. This is a noble initiative that goes beyond sport, bringing people together to raise awareness and take meaningful action towards conserving our wildlife. As part of our continued commitment, we will this year support the event to the tune of KES 10 million. As a purpose-led technology company, we are equally proud to enable conservation through connectivity, ensuring that Lewa remains digitally empowered to protect wildlife more effectively.”

Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya said: “Huawei is delighted to have been a long-standing supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to some of the most recognisable species and rarest wildlife on earth and the difference the event has made in preserving these iconic species for future generations as well as the surrounding communities has been awe-inspiring.”

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its diverse habitats it is home to more than 70 different animal species roaming the vast grasslands and more than 502 species of birds.  With one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, runners share the course with many iconic African species including the Big Five. As well as the marathon, Lewa have been Tusk partners for over 25 years, with Tusk providing funds towards core operations, education, and wildlife translocation as well as ranger support through the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.

The Lewa Safari Marathon has raised funds to support a number of Kenyan conservation organisations including Big Life Foundation, Borana Conservancy, Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lion Landscapes, Local Ocean Conservation, Maa Trust, Mountain Bongo Project, Mt Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, and Tsavo Trust.

Floods displace hundreds as death toll rises to 87

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More than 300 families from Maembeni village in Kisumu have been rendered homeless after River Nyando broke its banks, sweeping across homes and farms.

Similarly, over 300 acres of crops have been destroyed in Baringo as heavy rains continue to pound most parts of the country.

At Maembeni village in Nyando, some residents are literally relocating their houses as the aftermath of the ongoing rains is revealed in a carpet of water across the village, leaving more than 300 families across Kisumu East and Nyando sub-counties without a roof over their heads.

Nerea Adhiambo, another resident, stated, “Wale walitengeneza dyke hawakutengeza vizuri. Wametengeneza kitu inakaa tu kama ile ya kucheza boli.”

In Baringo County, it is was race against time as farmers try to salvage whatever remains before the skies open again. Three hundred and forty acres of maize were destroyed on Monday, with losses expected to increase if the rains persist.

“Wakulima saa hii wanakaa na mahindi yao ndani ya maji wanasubiri tractor. Mimi nimeumia sana,” said Leonard Kibiwot.

In Kirinyaga, an unidentified body was retrieved from River Nyamindi. It is suspected the man was swept away while trying to cross the river, bringing the death toll to 87.

“Hii mto inakuwa na hatari sana wakati mvua inanyesha. Wakati mvua inaanza hatari itaongezeka. Tafadhali tusiogelee wala kupita kwa mto bila kujali,” warned Martin Kagunda of Kenya Red Cross.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a notice to residents along the Sosiani and Tana rivers in Uasin Gishu and Tana River counties to move to higher grounds after the rivers also broke their banks.

Meteorologists have warned that the heavy rains are expected to continue from Thursday to Sunday.

Dota 2 returns to Games of the Future 2026 with $1M prize pool

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Dota 2 is set to make a return to the global stage after it was confirmed as part of the Games of the Future 2026 lineup, with a lucrative prize pool of $1 million up for grabs.

The popular multiplayer online battle arena title will headline the MOBA PC discipline at the multi-sport event scheduled for July 31 to August 5 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Organisers say the tournament will bring together the world’s top teams, underlining the competition’s growing stature within the esports calendar.

Matches will be staged at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, a 5,000-seater venue designed to host high-profile international events.

The arena is expected to provide a fitting backdrop for what is anticipated to be one of the standout competitions of the Games.

Dota 2 was among the highlights of the 2025 edition held in Abu Dhabi, where underdogs Team Win captured attention with a flawless run to the title.

They defeated established side Vikings 2-0 in the final without dropping a single game throughout the tournament.

Organisers believe the return of the title signals the continued growth of esports within the “phygital” concept — a format that blends physical and digital competition.

More than 900 participants from over 50 nationalities are expected in Astana, with attendance projected to surpass 100,000 across venues.

Further details, including team qualification and broadcast schedules, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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