A Gen Z-led mass voter registration drive dubbed Tuko Kadi has recorded a strong start, with 641 youths registering as voters during an exercise held in Kasarani, Nairobi.
The initiative, spearheaded by photojournalist and activist Ademba Allans, brought together young people in a coordinated effort to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We’ve closed at 641 new registrations,” Ademba said after the exercise on Tuesday.
The drive forms part of a growing youth-led push to increase political participation, particularly among first-time voters who have historically shown lower turnout rates.
The Kasarani exercise reflects a broader national trend, where a new wave of political engagement is sweeping across Kenya, driven largely by Gen Z.
What started as a few social media posts has rapidly evolved into a viral civic movement, with young people documenting their voter registration and verification journeys online.
The trend, popularised on social media, has seen thousands of Kenyan youths share videos and photos confirming their voter status, often accompanied by the phrase “Tuko kadi” (we are registered).
The movement signals a significant shift from voter apathy to active participation, especially among digitally connected young citizens.
Many accompany their posts with the phrase “Voter found!”, a declaration that they are officially registered and ready to take part in shaping the country’s leadership.
In a lighter yet symbolic twist, some young couples have rebranded the voter registration process as a “registration date,” turning civic duty into a shared relationship milestone.
Photos and videos circulating online show lovebirds walking hand in hand into offices run by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), capturing the moment as both a romantic outing and a commitment to the country’s future.
At the centre of the viral push is influencer Wabosha Maxine, whose video titled “Come with me as I register” ignited widespread conversation.
In the clip, she documents her attempts to register at multiple offices operated by the IEBC, only to be redirected to her home constituency.
Her experience, which almost took up an entire day and required personal resources, resonated with many young Kenyans facing similar logistical challenges.
Despite the frustrations, Wabosha’s message was clear: civic responsibility requires effort.
Her video has since inspired many youths to push through inconveniences such as long distances to registration centers and uncertainty about the process.
Activist Hanifa Farsafi also threw her weight behind the trend, saying, "Most of the unregistered Genzs are actually in universities. We should do a massive trend in universities, Mahn. TikTok influencers need to come together and make this voter registration trend massive and long-term!
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