Broad-based Youth Front Targets 10 Million Young Voters for 2027 Elections

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 6 December 2025 - The Broad-based Youth Front (BYF) Nairobi chapter has launched an ambitious drive to recruit 10 million young voters across Kenya’s 290 constituencies ahead of the 2027 general election, signaling a new wave of youth-led political engagement.

On Friday BYF Commander and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch officially launched the first chapter in Kibra, alongside area MP Dennis Orero.

The Kibra MP lauded Oketch's initiative as credible and transformative movement targeting young people for the common good of all.

The launch, seen by political analysts as a strategic milestone, positions the movement as a major platform to mobilise youth in support of national values, the Broadbased Government (BBG) formation, and President William Ruto’s agenda.

Senator Oketch underscored the movement’s central mission.

The movement’s main purpose is to open up equal opportunities for the youth in government across Kenya. This movement will also be a cornerstone for Broadbased in the "Go-Vote" campaigns.”

He further clarified the political alignment of BYF, noting that the initiative is pro-Ruto and strongly supports the President Ruto-and odm leader Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga union.

“BYF is pro-Ruto and supports the Ruto-Oburu union for the common good of all Kenyans, in honour of the unity exhibited by the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga,” Oketch said.

This reflects the movement’s dual focus on political mobilisation and national cohesion.

The launch in Kibra marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout, with plans to establish BYF chapters in all 290 constituencies.

Oketch said the movement will work closely with elected leaders at every level—MCAs, MPs, senators, and governors—to ensure effective youth participation and advocacy.

“Our goal is to empower young people to actively participate in governance and support the Broadbased Government formation ahead of 2027,” he emphasised.

Political analysts note that the BYF strategy combines grassroots voter mobilisation with civic education, aiming to build a politically engaged youth electorate.

By registering new voters and creating platforms for dialogue, the movement intends to ensure that young Kenyans have a voice in shaping policy and governance.

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The movement’s objectives extend beyond voter mobilisation. Oketch highlighted that BYF seeks to create opportunities for youth in leadership, government, entrepreneurship, and public service.

“We are committed to building a generation of youth who understand their rights and responsibilities, and who actively contribute to the development and governance of the country,” he said.

Observers suggest that BYF could play a decisive role in consolidating youth support for President Ruto and allied leaders in the run-up to 2027.

Through its extensive network of elected officials and constituency leaders, the movement is poised to integrate youth engagement with national development initiatives, enhancing the visibility of BBG programmes and policy priorities.

The BYF’s Nairobi chapter is widely seen as a model for replication nationwide. By emphasising inclusivity, civic responsibility, and political participation, the movement seeks to cultivate a generation of young voters who are informed, engaged, and committed to national progress.

Senator Oketch emphasised that the initiative is as much about national cohesion as it is about political alignment.

“We are not just mobilising youth for elections. We are building a platform that fosters unity, empowers young people, and ensures they actively contribute to the country’s growth and governance,” he said.

As BYF prepares for its nationwide rollout, political analysts predict that it will significantly influence youth voter behaviour, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics ahead of the 2027 polls.

With its focus on voter registration, civic education, and strategic alignment with BBG leadership, the movement is positioned to make youth participation a defining feature of Kenya’s democratic process.

The launch of the Nairobi chapter thus marks the start of what could be one of the largest youth mobilisation efforts in recent Kenyan political history, reinforcing the role of young people in shaping the country’s political trajectory while supporting the consolidation of the Broad-based Government.

But there could be hurdles, going by what the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) revealed on slow response of those expected to register as voters.

In September, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon assured the public that the Commission is fully prepared and was working diligently for the just concluded 27 November by-elections as a precursor to the 2027 General Election.

He said that on resumption of Continuous Voter Registration, the Commission aims to enlist 6.3 million new eligible voters, 70% of whom are youth.