Mombasa Somali Leaders Call for Local Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Polls

Community leaders in Mombasa have urged Somalis living and working in the county to register as voters within the city and participate in local elections, rather than travelling to northern counties such as Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir to cast their ballots.

Speaking at the inauguration of Furat Hotel, Senator Mohamed Faki emphasized the importance of voting in the areas where residents live and conduct business. He highlighted that many Somali families have established their livelihoods in Mombasa, including running businesses and educating their children locally.

Senator Faki stated:

• "We should not be doing business in Mombasa and then travelling to Garissa or Mandera to vote when elections come. We should remain here in Mombasa and elect leaders here because that is what will help protect our interests."
• "Let us mobilise our people to register as voters here in Mombasa because this is where we do business and educate our children. If our interests are protected here in Mombasa, we will also be able to grow our businesses."

Other leaders within the Mombasa Somali community echoed this call, encouraging residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the constituencies and counties where they reside. They clarified that this appeal does not discourage participation in elections in northern Kenya for those with strong ties but rather encourages those settled in Mombasa to have a direct say in local governance.

The push for increased political engagement coincides with ongoing efforts to boost voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election. Community representatives have also recently engaged with national leaders, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, to discuss ways to enhance participation and address local concerns.

By registering and voting locally, the Somali community in Mombasa aims to influence decisions affecting their businesses, families, and overall livelihoods within the coastal city.