Local Media Left Out: WMO Demands IEBC Action on Voter Registration Crisis.
Eugine Wabwile
2 min read
TANDAO MEDIA.
The Western Media Owners Consortium (WMO) has issued a strong appeal to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Government Advertising Agency (GAA), urging both institutions to collaborate with regional media outlets to address the ongoing voter registration crisis and promote fair business practices.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Consortium expressed alarm over the low voter registration figures in the Western, Nyanza, and North-Rift regions, attributing the trend to a glaring omission in the IEBC’s civic education strategy. “Local media houses are indispensable partners in reaching grassroots populations,” the statement read. “Their linguistic versatility and trusted community presence are vital in countering misinformation and encouraging voter participation.”
The WMO criticized the IEBC for sidelining community-based radio and television stations in its current outreach efforts, warning that this neglect has created a vacuum in civic education and contributed to voter apathy.To remedy the situation, the Consortium called for immediate engagement with regional broadcasters such as Tandao TV & Radio, TV Magharibi/Sasa Radio, Border Radio, Nyota TV, Luyaa TV & Sambamba Radio, Radio Mambo and Lubao FM,stations that command deep trust within their communities.
The Consortium also urged political leaders from the region to take an active role in mobilizing citizens through non-partisan campaigns and to support local media as key drivers of democratic awareness and development.
In addition to voter registration concerns, the WMO addressed what it described as inequitable distribution of government advertising. It called on the GAA to adopt a transparent and inclusive model that recognizes the legitimacy and economic contribution of regional media houses.
“These outlets are tax-compliant, locally staffed, and play a critical role in national development. Marginalizing them undermines both democracy and economic equity,” the statement concluded.The WMO reaffirmed its commitment to democratic ideals and expressed readiness to partner with the IEBC to ensure comprehensive civic education reaches all corners of the region.
The statement was signed by:Robert Wanyonyi (Secretary-General), Thomas Eshuya Oyolo (Chairman), James Chanji (Vice-Chairman), Fred Harrison Wesonga (Organizing Secretary), James Ndombi (Radio Mambo), Fredrick Witaba (Lubao FM)
