Kenya's Gen Z has revived the ‘Niko kadi’ slogan to urge youth to register as voters from next week and reshape 2027 leadership. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced registration starts March 30 for 30 days. Several politicians have joined the call with varying aims.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced new voter registration begins March 30 and runs for 30 days, targeting over 2.5 million people. It projects 6.3 million new voters by 2027, raising the total to 28.5 million for the general election. Gen Z has revived the ‘Niko kadi’ slogan to push youth registration and participation to alter national leadership, per Taifa Leo reports. Politicians are already adopting it for their 2027 campaigns. President William Ruto, speaking after launching SGR Kisumu rail construction, stated: “Kwa washindani wetu, Tuko Kadi. Tuko tayari muda ukifika na tumejiandaa,” urging youth to register and support him. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua rebuked him: “Nimewaona mkisema ‘Niko Kadi’, nawaambia Gen-Z wajisajili kama wapigakura kwa sababu ndio njia pekee ya kumtuma Ruto nyumbani,” adding “ndiyo una kadi lakini yako ni kadi nyekundu. Unaenda nyumbani.” David Maraga, a 2027 presidential aspirant, joined: “Uchaguzi huu ndio utaamua mkondo wa taifa, tafadhali jisajilini na mpige kura. Janga kuu zaidi litakalotikisa Kenya ni Rais Ruto kurejea mamlakani.” ODM's Godfrey Osotsi, MP Babu Owino of Linda Mwananchi, and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua have endorsed the call. National statistics office KNBS data shows under-35s comprise 75% of Kenya's 47.6 million people. Gen Z had low turnout in 2022 elections but mobilized protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.
