Nanyuki: Hundreds of youths in Laikipia have turned up for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise courtesy of the ‘Niko Kadi’ campaign. Gen Z voters who spoke to the media in Nanyuki after registering for next year’s general elections said they were capitalizing on the movement to ensure they elect leaders who address their concerns.
According to Kenya News Agency, ‘Niko Kadi’ is an initiative that started online, and the youth have fully embraced it. Ms. Grace Wanene, one of the youths, emphasized the importance of understanding good governance and the necessity of registering as voters. She remarked that the voter’s card empowers them to make informed choices and elect leaders who will address long-ignored issues.
Ms. Wanene further stated that the youth have been labeled as the leaders of tomorrow, a promise that seemed perpetually out of reach. She highlighted that they have now taken the initiative to claim that future for themselves and upcoming generations, ensuring they do not endure similar challenges.
James Maina, another young voter, described voter registration as a powerful tool for change. He expressed that by registering, they can finally voice their concerns in the upcoming elections. Maina added that they are committed to encouraging people of all ages to obtain their voter cards.
The ‘Niko Kadi’ campaign, Swahili slang for ‘I have a card,’ has gained significant traction on social media over the past week. Young Kenyans are leveraging the campaign to encourage 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, informed KNA that registration numbers have surged since the Niko Kadi movement gained momentum. She urged more youths to participate in the registration process. In Laikipia, the IEBC has set a target of 2,998 new voters for the first phase of CVR, with mass registration officially kicking off on Monday, March 30.
