Iftin Ward aspirant Mr. Siyat Abdi Gedi has urged residents to actively participate in the democratic process by registering as voters and updating their voter details ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Mr. Gedi urged residents who have recently acquired national identification cards to visit the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices to register as voters.
He encouraged those registered in other wards to transfer their voter registration to Iftin Ward.
A youth leader, entrepreneur, and Community Development Specialist, Mr. Gedi brings over 12 years of cumulative experience working with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and international non-governmental organizations.
His expertise spans humanitarian and development programming, social protection, education, nutrition, community resilience, and accountable public-sector program management.
“Voter registration is the foundation of democracy. An engaged and registered electorate ensures that the voice of Iftin Ward is heard and respected,” he said.
Mr. Gedi has extensive experience in food distribution management, safeguarding, inclusion mainstreaming, cash-based transfers, market facilitation, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems.
He is also skilled in stakeholder engagement, data analysis, biometric systems, and community feedback mechanisms.
An influencer for positive change, passionate farmer, and active community volunteer, Mr. Gedi reaffirmed his commitment to transformative change.
He noted that meaningful progress can be fully achieved when residents actively take part in shaping their future through peaceful and lawful democratic participation.
He reaffirmed his vision of “an inclusive leadership for a thriving ward.” He called on all eligible residents—youth, women, elders, and persons with disabilities—to take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
Mr. Siyad Abdi Gedi said young people must take up leadership and decision-making roles instead of being used as scapegoats during electioneering periods. He noted that while the youth are often mobilised for political activities, they are rarely given space to influence policies and development priorities that directly affect their lives.
He observed that devolution can only achieve its promise if the voices of young people are meaningfully incorporated into planning, budgeting, and development programming at the ward and county levels.
According to Mr. Gedi, excluding youth from governance weakens accountability and limits innovation at the grassroots.
“Youth inclusion is not a favour; it is a necessity for successful devolution. When young people are part of leadership and development processes, communities become more stable, innovative, and responsive to real needs,” Mr. Gedi said.
“As we prepare for 2027, let us work together to build a united, empowered, and prosperous Iftin Ward,” he added.
