Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Susan Kihika has urged the electorate to register in large numbers to exercise their freedom of choice in the 2017 general election.
She also called on youth who have attained the age of 18 and have national Identity Cards or passports to register with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The speaker further urged youth to shun political parties associated with tribalism and instead embrace patriotism.
“Youth should not be driven into being members of political parties to vote. All you need is to have an idea of whom you want to vote for. Belonging to a political party is a personal choice. You should not be coerced to join a party in order to be given hand outs,” said Kihika.
Speaking on Tuesday at Kagoto shopping center, Bahati constituency during a fund raiser in aid of Kagoto Health Center, Kihika told residents that voting is a right and they should embrace the exercise in earnest.
“Everyone is entitled by the Constitution to exercise his /her voting right without discrimination,” said the speaker.
Meanwhile, the speaker said the county government is committed in the provision of affordable and quality health care to all Nakuru residents.
“The county government has full responsibility in provision of affordable health care to all residents irrespective of their geographic area or political affiliations,” said Kihika.
Regarding gender equality, Kihika called for implementation of the one-third gender rule in all county and government departments.
“The Constitution stipulates that not more than two-thirds of elective posts should be made up of one gender. The county and national governments should implement this rule. We need to empower women to avail themselves for elective posts,” said the speaker.