President William Ruto has expressed dissatisfaction with northern Kenyan leaders regarding low voter registration numbers in the region, despite government efforts to ease ID acquisition.

• President Ruto demanded an explanation from leaders from Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties on why eligible residents are not registering as voters.
• The meeting at State House on July 13, 2026, highlighted concerns that only 258,926 voters are projected for registration in Garissa with a population of about one million.
• Despite the abolition of physical ID vetting, leaders like Garissa Governor Nathif Jama noted continued delays and a sentiment that vetting still occurs, impacting ID and voter registration.