Tuko Kadi convener to hold buddies hangouts at IEBC offices

Ademba Allans, the lead voice in the Tuko Kadi movement./HANDOUT

Ademba Allans, a leading voice in the Gen Z-driven Tuko Kadi movement, has announced plans to host a series of “Buddies Hangout” events at IEBC offices across the country to boost youth voter registration.

Allans said the initiative is specifically targeting young people, who have been accused of not turning up to register as voters He said the campaign seeks to reframe the process as engaging, accessible and youth-friendly.

“I’m specifically talking to younger people because we’ve been accused of not registering as voters,” he said. “This week, we are having a Buddies Hangout at IEBC offices. It’s simple, just come with your ID and register as a voter.”

According to Allans, the concept behind the “Buddies Hangout” is to transform what is traditionally viewed as a bureaucratic process into a social and interactive experience. The events will feature music, social media content creation and peer-driven mobilisation to attract young participants.

“We are going to have Bluetooth speakers, we are going to do TikToks because that’s how young people connect. We want to make voter registration something that feels natural and exciting, not forced,” he said.

“Kenya does not revolve around Nairobi. I want to see lines of young people registering in Turkana, Busia, Kisumu, and every other county. Wherever you are, come out and take part."

He dismissed claims that Gen Zs will abandon registration due to long queues.

Allans said young Kenyans have stepped in to support the event, bringing water and snacks to sustain attendees.

“We’ve seen it happen before. When young people show up, they make things work. That’s the same spirit we want to see this week,” he said.

The campaign comes at a time when youth participation in electoral processes remains a key topic of national conversation. While young people make up a significant portion of the population, their representation in voter registration and turnout has historically lagged behind expectations.

Allans said Buddies Hangout is both a call to action and a challenge to his peers, urging them not to sit on the sidelines during a critical democratic process.

“If you’re not ready to register, then you’re not ready to shape the future,” he said. “This is our chance to show up and be counted.”

The registration drive is set to run throughout the week, with organisers expressing confidence that the initiative will draw significant numbers. For Allans and the Tuko Kadi movement, the goal is clear, turn youthful energy into tangible civic participation at the ballot box.