32-year-old Mwita eyes IEBC role with youth focus

Joel Mwita could soon become the youngest commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) if his interview performance is anything to go by.

Appearing before the IEBC selection panel on Friday, the 32-year-old candidate placed enhancing voter registration and curbing youth voter apathy at the heart of his mission to transform the electoral agency.

“If I get an opportunity to serve as commissioner, I will remove the commission from the Anniversary Towers to the people,” Mwita told the Nelson Makanda-led panel, emphasising the need for constant and open stakeholder engagement to rebuild public trust in IEBC.

Mwita, who has over a decade of experience in elections management, governance, and financial management, said youth-specific messaging, programmes, and policies would be key in mobilising young people to register and participate in elections.

“I will ensure there is constant engagement with the people, especially the youth population, who are the target group,” he said.

A certified mediator with a background in peacebuilding, conflict management, and research, Mwita underscored the need for simpler, accessible voter registration processes.

He promised to champion continuous registration efforts, targeting the many eligible Kenyans who are yet to enlist as voters.

“As IEBC, we will ensure the process of voter registration is guaranteed and is continuous by reaching out to this target population — those who have not registered — and making the process easy and understandable for them,” he said.

Mwita further proposed a close collaboration between IEBC and the National Registration Bureau to fast-track the issuance of national identity cards to youths who have turned 18, especially in border counties where bureaucratic hurdles have disenfranchised thousands.

“The youth need to be fed with relevant information, which is very critical for them to understand why they should participate in this important democratic exercise,” he added.

Currently serving as the Director of Liaison Services and Head of Nairobi Office for the Turkana County Government, Mwita portrayed himself as a dynamic, innovative youth specialist with strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.

Mwita was the last candidate to face the panel and left no doubt that, should he be appointed, his tenure would prioritise getting the youth through the ballot box doors and ensuring the IEBC reconnects with the electorate.