Hundreds of youths in Laikipia have turned up for Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise courtesy of “Niko Kadi” campaign.
Gen Z voters who spoke to the media in Nanyuki after registering for next year’s general elections said they were capitalising on the movement to ensure they elect leaders who address their concerns.
“Niko Kadi is an initiative that started online, and we are glad the youth have fully embraced it. It is time we understood good governance and why we must register as voters, “said Ms Grace Wanene, one of the youths.
She added that the voter’s card gives them the power to make informed choices and elect leaders who will tackle issues that have long been ignored.
“We have always been told we are the leaders of tomorrow, a tomorrow that never arrives. We have now stepped onto the stage and claim that tomorrow for ourselves and for future generations, so they do not go through what we have endured,” said Wanene.
Another youth, James Maina, described voter registration as a powerful tool for change.
“By registering, we can finally voice our concerns in next year’s elections. We are also committed to sensitising people of all ages to take up their voter cards,”said Maina.
The “Niko Kadi” campaign Swahili slang for “I have a card” has dominated social media over the past week. Young Kenyans are using it to urge their peers to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The grassroots initiative was launched in mid-February 2026 by young activists Allan Ademba and Willie Oeba.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) official attached to Laikipia East Tabitha Gathoni told KNA on Tuesday that registration numbers had surged since the Niko Kadi movement gained momentum where she urged more youths to turn up.
In Laikipia, the IEBC has set a target of 2,998 new voters for the first phase of CVR. Mass registration officially kicks off on Monday, March 30.
By Muturi Mwangi
