Kenyan Gen Z have made their intention to make their voice and numbers count at the ballot by deploying an ingenious scheme to marshal those who have not registered as voters to do so.
Activist Willie Oeba and Allans Ademba, who are among those who championed the Niko Kadi initiative on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, celebrated the initiative, which targeted 600 people to register as voters.
The challenge started gaining traction on TikTok and has since spread over to other social media platforms. The hashtag is now being pushed to urge Gen Zs to come out and register as voters.
The initiative paid off with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) staff registering hundreds of voters in Kasarani.
Kenyan youth brace for revolution at the ballot
The young people who organised the initiative noted that it is a firm reminder that the youth are keen on using their numbers to influence change at the ballot.
Those behind the initiative noted that they will fiercely guard the vote and urged people to register in large numbers to be ready for the 2027 elections.
Youths who turned up brandished their voter registration cards, saying “tuko kadi” to confirm that they had registered.
A number of those who were interviewed during the exercise expressed their resolve to use the 2027 election to alter the political landscape significantly when they make their votes count.
The initiative hopes to net more voters with Gen Zs mobilising their friends and relatives to register as voters as they prepare for a political revolution at the ballot.
Leveraging the power of social media, the hashtag #NikoKaditrended online, inspiring many to register as voters with those who turned up asserting that, contrary to claims that Kenyans are not registering, their experience at the station indicates that many are turning up.
Mobilisation on social media
By the close of the day, 641 new voters had registered in Kasarani, where Ademba and his team camped, promising to keep the initiative running and protect the vote as a mark of honouring the legacy of Kenyans who lost their lives during the 2024 protests and the subsequent period.
“Thank you to all those who showed up. Thanks to those who provided food and water. Most importantly, thanks to the 641 people who turned up today to register. Hi Kitu Haitaki, planning mingi, we simply want to register as voters. Data or Wi-Fi for online mobilisation is enough,” he said.
@WillieOeba
The initiative has been well-received by a number of activists and Gen Zs who used their social media platforms to amplify the message.
“Kenya needs a Renaissance aki! Tuko Kadi Je Wewe? Register Na Mbogi! Good Work @Ademba_47 #TukoKadi #RegisterNaMbogi,” Abbie Zuena stated, appreciating the initiative.
