A youth-driven voter registration campaign known as Tuko Kadi has kicked off with impressive results, with 641 young people signing up during an exercise held in Kasarani, Nairobi, on March 17, 2026.
The initiative, led by photojournalist and activist Ademba Allans, brought together youths in a coordinated effort aimed at increasing voter participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after the event, Ademba confirmed the turnout, noting that the exercise marked a strong beginning for the broader campaign. The drive is part of a growing movement encouraging young people—especially first-time voters—to take part in the electoral process.
The Kasarani turnout reflects a wider national shift, with Gen Z increasingly engaging in civic activities.
What began as a few posts on social media has quickly grown into a viral movement, with thousands of youths sharing their voter registration experiences online using the phrase “Tuko kadi” to confirm they are officially registered.
This trend signals a move away from voter apathy toward active political involvement among young, digitally connected citizens. Many participants also use the phrase “Voter found!” to celebrate completing the registration process.
In a creative twist, some young couples have turned voter registration into a shared experience, referring to it as a “registration date.”
Photos and videos show couples visiting Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) centres together, blending civic duty with personal milestones.
Social media influencer Wabosha Maxine has been a key figure in amplifying the movement. Her viral video documenting her attempt to register—after being redirected to her home constituency—highlighted the challenges many youths face, including long distances and logistical hurdles.
Despite these challenges, her message encouraged persistence, inspiring more young people to complete the process.
Activist Hanifa Farsafi also supported the campaign, urging influencers and universities to scale up the initiative and make voter registration a sustained trend among Gen Z.
Overall, the Tuko Kadi movement reflects a growing determination among young Kenyans to actively shape the country’s political future through participation in elections.
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